The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA) is a specialised professional qualification designed to develop essential knowledge and practical skills for responding to medical emergencies involving babies and children. The programme focuses on age-appropriate emergency first aid, helping the learner understand how to assess situations, provide immediate assistance, and respond appropriately while professional medical support is being arranged.
This Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA) Diploma covers important areas including paediatric CPR, choking, unconsciousness, breathing difficulties, bleeding, burns, shock, seizures, and other emergencies that may affect infants and children. The 30-hour learning programme provides a structured understanding of emergency response principles relevant to childcare, education, family support, and other child-focused environments.
The qualification is suitable for childcare professionals, nursery staff, teaching assistants, childminders, school personnel, healthcare support staff, parents, carers, and individuals seeking professional development in paediatric first aid and child safety.
By completing the OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA), the learner can strengthen emergency preparedness, improve confidence when responding to childhood emergencies, and develop valuable first aid skills applicable across childcare and educational settings. The qualification supports a proactive approach to protecting children and promoting safer environments.
All About OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA)
Course Overview
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA) is a specialised qualification designed to develop essential emergency first aid knowledge and practical response skills for babies and children. The course provides child-focused learning relevant to childcare, education, healthcare support, and other environments where children may require immediate assistance.
The programme covers key Emergency Paediatric First Aid principles, including paediatric CPR, choking, unconsciousness, breathing difficulties, bleeding, burns, shock, seizures, and other common childhood emergencies. The structured 30-hour programme helps the learner understand appropriate emergency procedures and age-appropriate first aid responses while professional medical assistance is being arranged.
Entry Requirement
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA) has accessible entry requirements and is suitable for individuals seeking specialised paediatric emergency first aid knowledge.
- Age: 16 years or above.
- Experience: No previous paediatric first aid experience required.
- Language Proficiency: Basic English understanding.
- Educational Background: No formal qualification required.
Study Units
This qualification, OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA), consists of 9 mandatory units.
- Introduction to Emergency Paediatric First Aid and Legal Framework (2 Hours)
- Assessing Paediatric Emergencies and Incident Management (3 Hours)
- Primary Survey, Casualty Assessment, and Recovery Position for Infants and Children (3 Hours)
- Paediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use (5 Hours)
- Management of Unconscious Infants and Children (4 Hours)
- Control of Bleeding, Wound Care, and Shock Management in Children (4 Hours)
- First Aid for Burns, Scalds, and Thermal Injuries in Paediatric Cases (3 Hours)
- Managing Fractures, Sprains, and Soft Tissue Injuries in Children (3 Hours)
- Response to Paediatric Medical Emergencies: Asthma, Seizures, and Severe Allergic Reactions (3 Hours)
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Introduction to Emergency Paediatric First Aid and Legal Framework (2 Hours)
- Understand the fundamental principles of paediatric first aid in emergency situations
- Recognise the legal responsibilities and ethical considerations when providing first aid to children
- Identify the role and duties of a paediatric first aider in various care settings
Assessing Paediatric Emergencies and Incident Management (3 Hours)
- Conduct rapid and accurate assessments of paediatric emergencies
- Apply effective communication and coordination techniques during incidents
- Implement structured approaches to ensure child safety and prevent further harm
Primary Survey, Casualty Assessment, and Recovery Position for Infants and Children (3 Hours)
- Perform systematic primary surveys tailored to infants and children
- Accurately assess consciousness, breathing, and circulation in paediatric casualties
- Demonstrate correct application of the recovery position for different age groups
Paediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use (5 Hours)
- Execute age-appropriate CPR techniques for infants and children
- Operate AED devices safely and effectively in paediatric emergencies
- Integrate CPR and AED use into a coordinated emergency response
Management of Unconscious Infants and Children (4 Hours)
- Identify causes and symptoms of unconsciousness in paediatric casualties
- Provide safe airway management for unconscious children
- Apply appropriate monitoring techniques to ensure continued stability
Control of Bleeding, Wound Care, and Shock Management in Children (4 Hours)
- Apply effective bleeding control methods suitable for paediatric patients
- Perform proper wound cleaning, dressing, and protection techniques
- Recognise and manage signs of shock in children promptly and effectively
First Aid for Burns, Scalds, and Thermal Injuries in Paediatric Cases (3 Hours)
- Identify different types and severities of burns and scalds in children
- Provide immediate and appropriate first aid for thermal injuries
- Implement measures to prevent infection and promote recovery
Managing Fractures, Sprains, and Soft Tissue Injuries in Children (3 Hours)
- Recognise symptoms of fractures, sprains, and soft tissue injuries
- Apply safe immobilisation and support techniques for injured limbs
- Reduce risk of further injury through effective handling and positioning
Response to Paediatric Medical Emergencies: Asthma, Seizures, and Severe Allergic Reactions (3 Hours)
- Support ongoing care while awaiting professional medical assistance
- Recognise signs and symptoms of common paediatric medical emergencies
- Provide immediate first aid interventions for asthma attacks, seizures, and anaphylaxis
Ideal Candidate
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA) is designed for individuals responsible for children’s safety, care, supervision, or emergency support in professional and community settings.
- Nursery and childcare professionals
- Childminders and early-years staff
- Teaching assistants and school support staff
- Teachers and education personnel
- Healthcare support staff working with children
- Parents and family carers
- Residential childcare staff
- Sports and activity instructors working with children
- Youth workers and community support staff
- Professionals developing child safety and emergency response skills
- Individuals seeking career development in paediatric care and first aid
FAQs OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA)
