Paediatric is a term commonly found in the medical field to refer to children from babies all the way up to sixteen- or eighteen-year-olds depending on the setting. In this article we will be using the term to focus on infants and young children.
In particular, we will examine the essential contents of a first aid kit specifically designed for some of the most vulnerable members of our society, namely 0–4-year-olds, and discuss why it is crucial to provide these supplies.
Why a paediatric first aid kit is essential
In their formative years, children are constantly learning and exploring. It is human nature to be curious and as they experience things for the first time, it is only natural for young children to have a few accidents along the way. This is why having a paediatric first aid kit available is essential for maintaining the health and happiness of a child.Having a first aid kit specifically designed to treat any injuries or illnesses that might occur to a child is essential, particularly for places where large groups of children congregate, such as nurseries, day cares and play groups. Whether they have fallen or cut themselves on something sharp, children will need immediate care in the aftermath of an accident.
When an accident occurs, it is imperative to have a baby emergency kit, regardless of if it is a home first aid kit that is designed for family first aid or a school first aid kit specifically for preschool children.
Legal requirements for childcare settings
There are many legal requirements for paediatric first aid in educational settings that are explained and enforced by the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) Statutory Framework. There are slight differences depending on whether the setting is within a school or a childminders but both have the same basic requirements.
Paediatric first aid training
No matter the childcare setting or number of children in the vicinity, it is a legal requirement for there to be at least one member of staff with a paediatric first aid certificate. So, it is important to ensure that staff have the relevant training to handle emergency situations quickly and efficiently.First aiders on site
As with workplaces, childcare settings require at least one person on site to be trained in first aid. The overall number of qualified first aiders will vary depending on the number of children in the setting, the more children present the more first aiders are required.Paediatric first aid kits
Childcare settings are also legally required to provide a first aid kit containing all of the supplies necessary to treat any injuries that may occur while a child is in their care. The kits should contain equipment specifically suited to the age group that is present in the setting. For example, older children may require larger bandages and will likely be more sensible with safety pins than younger children.Accident Reporting
The HSE requires that all schools report any accidents that occur under RIDDOR, regardless of whether the accident involves staff, students or visitors. It is also recommended that childcare settings keep records of the accidents in a pupil accident book so that they can inform parents of exactly what occurred when they pick up their child or emergency services when they arrive, should the incident be serious.Recommendations for paediatric first aid
First aid kits are available as either British Standard or HSE compliant. HSE guidelines have to be followed for first aid kits in public settings, such as workplaces and schools, as they provide the minimum requirements for all first aid kits.However, for a more comprehensive supply of first aid equipment, kits are also available as British Standard compliant, providing a higher quantity of each item as well as a few extra supplies depending on the kit. As such, we would recommend having a British Standard first aid kit available when treating children to reduce the risk of running out of supplies.
We also recommend having material available to familiarise or remind the person providing paediatric first aid of the processes they should follow.
If the childcare setting has a first aid room, it is advisable to have at least one poster on the walls with information about common injuries or illnesses, or multiple more specific posters, for example one on general pre-school first aid and another solely on allergic reactions if there are multiple children with allergies.
If a first aider has recently passed their qualification, it would be a good idea to provide them with a leaflet containing the most common issues they may have to treat, or a book with more in-depth information than the leaflet, so that they are able to refresh their knowledge when needed.
What should a typical paediatric first aid kit contain?
Every first aid kit is slightly different depending on the reason it is required. A typical paediatric first aid kit has very similar contents to an adult workplace first aid kit, just with the supplies being sized differently or geared more towards children.
Essentials
- Plasters are an essential part of any first aid kit, but in particular a paediatric first aid kit. Having different sizes to cover the majority of cuts and grazes is ideal, and having colourful plasters or those with fictional characters is a big bonus, although not essential, when treating a child’s injuries.
- A first aid guidance leaflet is a legal requirement for first aid kits in public settings. When included in a paediatric kit, it is important to ensure that it relates to first aid for children.
- Sterile wipes are needed for wound cleansing, so they should be individually wrapped and alcohol-free to avoid further harm to the child.
- Triangular bandages are great supplies to have to provide support and further care to an injury.
- Dressings make it easy to hold gauze in place and ensure that even those wounds that are too big for a plaster are covered properly.
- Eye dressings are a necessity for treating any eye injuries that occur, preventing children from touching or rubbing their eyes and making the issue worse.
- Disposable gloves are probably one of the most essential parts of any first aid kit as they reduce the risk of cross-contamination and infection. Ensure that if this kit is for a childcare setting the gloves do not contain latex as some children may have allergies.
- Bandages are a staple in any first aid kit, having these in a paediatric kit will provide a method of supporting the injuries and compressing them if needed.
- Clothing cutters ensure that the ends are blunt so that if a child shifts when they are being used, they aren’t injured further.
- Safety pins are perfect for securing bandages in place, although it is best to consider the child’s age before using these as they may be able to harm themselves should it come undone.
Recommended
There are a few items that are recommended for inclusion within a paediatric first aid kit such as:- A face shield, used alongside an AED this supply aids in any resuscitation event should a child go into cardiac arrest.
- Microporous tape ideal for holding dressings and gauzes firmly in place to protect an injury.
- Foil blankets are used to maintain body heat, if a child has been injured on the playground and can’t be moved, these will help to keep them warm until medical professionals arrive. They are also designed for treating hypothermia in emergency situations.
- Burn dressings are advised just in case a child knocks over a hot drink or explores in an area with hot utensils.
- Gauze swabs can be used to aid in cleaning the wound.
- Digital thermometers are recommended particularly with young children to give a more accurate reading of their temperature.
- Ice packs are also a common recommendation for paediatric first aid kits. If you are using the kit on the go it is best to have an instant cold pack, however if the kit is being kept in one location having brightly coloured reusable ones that can double as heat packs are ideal.
Our paediatric first aid kit contents list:
What should an infant (up to 1 year old) first aid kit contain?
The supplies needed to meet the first aid needs of an infant don’t differ that much from a child, or even an adult. Instead, it is recommended that the supplies are provided in the appropriate size for the baby and adjusted to suit their needs.However, as with all kits, there are a few differences in recommendations, particularly if it is created for a specific child.
Essentials
- Plasters
- A first aid guidance leaflet
- Sterile wipes
- Triangular bandages
- Dressings
- Eye dressings
- Disposable gloves
- Bandages
- Clothing cutters
- Safety pins
Recommended
- A face shield
- Microporous tape
- Foil blankets
- Burn dressings
- Gauze swabs
- Digital thermometers
- Ice packs
- Rash cream – this is only recommended if it is for a specific child, or a kit kept at home as some children will have allergies or reactions to certain chemicals.
What should a toddler (1-3 years) first aid kit contain?
A toddler first aid kit will contain supplies suitable for a child of one to three years, the main differences between them will be dependent on where the first aid kit is being used and the medical needs of the children that it will be providing supplies for.
Below are the essential and recommended first aid supplies for a toddler first aid kit.
Essentials
- Plasters
- A first aid guidance leaflet
- Sterile wipes
- Triangular bandages
- Dressings
- Eye dressings
- Disposable gloves
- Bandages
- Clothing cutters
- Safety pins
Recommended
- A face shield
- Microporous tape
- Foil blankets
- Burn dressings
- Gauze swabs
- Digital thermometers
- Ice packs
- Rash cream – this is only recommended if it is for a specific child, or a kit kept at home as some children will have allergies or reactions to certain chemicals.
- Inhalers – This is another piece of first aid equipment that will depend on the child the first aid kit is for. If it is a paediatric home first aid kit and your child suffers from asthma, one of their inhalers could be included. In a school setting, the inhaler may be included with the child’s name; however, ensure that you are following your school’s policies on how these are to be stored.
What should a pre-school (4 years) first aid kit contain?
Our Pre-School Childcare Kit contains all the supplies we believe to be essential in a school or childminder’s first aid kit. It provides a comprehensive range of first aid equipment designed for treating any injuries pre-school children may suffer while at your venue.
However, if you need to restock, or check that you have the correct supplies in your first aid kit, below is a list of both the essential and some recommended supplies.
Essential supplies:
- Plasters
- A first aid guidance leaflet
- Sterile, alcohol-free wipes
- Triangular bandages
- Dressings
- Eye dressings
- Disposable gloves
- Bandages
- Clothing cutters
- Safety pins
Recommended supplies:
- A face shield
- Microporous tape
- Foil blankets
- Burn dressings
- Gauze swabs
- Digital thermometers
- Ice packs
- A pre-school first aid poster
- Inhalers – This is another piece of first aid equipment that will dependant on the child the first aid kit is for. If it is a paediatric home first aid kit and your child suffers from asthma, one of their inhalers should be included. In a school setting the inhaler may be included with the child’s name, however, ensure that you are following your school’s policies in how these are to be stored.
Restocking and maintaining a paediatric first aid kit
Maintaining a paediatric first aid kit, particularly if it is being used in an official capacity such as for a nursery or day care is essential. It’s a good idea to prearrange times throughout the year to check on the first aid kits and ensure that everything is still in date, and nothing is missing, most find it easiest to check every three months. However, if it is a school setting with term times, checking at the start or end of term is a great routine to get into to keep on top of any supplies that need changing.Restocking a paediatric first aid kit is simple. You may choose to replace individual items, plasters in particular are used very frequently, or there is the option of purchasing a refill kit which is a cost-efficient way to refresh your supplies. Most first aid kits last between three and five years, so keeping a note of when the first aid kits expire is a great way to ensure they are replaced beforehand.
Complete your paediatric first aid kit
A paediatric first aid kit differs slightly from other types of first aid kits due to its need to provide medical help to newborns, toddlers and preschoolers. While some of the supplies are the same, they will need to be adjusted to fit a child’s body and needs.
It is a legal requirement for childcare environments, whether they are a childminder or in a school setting, to provide first aid kits and at least one member of staff fully trained in paediatric first aid. Also, while some first aid kits at home may include medications, it is important that in a school or professional childcare setting the correct procedures are followed depending on the location. It could be that some schools follow the same rules as workplaces, in which case medication is to be kept separately from other first aid supplies.
Ensure that your paediatric first aid kits meet the legal requirements and are fully stocked at all times to avoid any harm coming to the children in your care. Have a browse through our collection of school first aid to ensure you have everything necessary in your childcare setting.
Read our other blogs for more information on first aid or contact us for further advice and information on our products.
By Sarah Mason
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