first aid AND PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE

first aid AND PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE

Course overview

PHECC First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid provides practical first aid and emergency response training focused on babies and children.

The course follows the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council First Aid Essentials education and training standard.

Learners develop the skills and confidence to assess an emergency, provide appropriate first aid and care for a child or infant until emergency medical services arrive.

No previous first aid experience is required.

Who this course is for

FAE Paediatric First Aid is suitable for:

  • Early years educators
  • Pre-school and childcare staff
  • Childminders
  • School and after-school staff
  • Parents and guardians
  • Foster carers
  • Sports coaches
  • Youth group leaders and volunteers
  • Anyone responsible for the care of babies or children

September 2026 Tusla Early Years Update

From September 2026, Tusla expressly includes PHECC First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid among the qualifications considered to meet the first aid training requirement for pre-school services under Regulation 25(1).

Registered providers must ensure that a person trained in first aid for children is immediately available to children at all times while the service is operating.

The number of trained staff required will depend on the service’s staffing arrangements, operating hours, risk assessment and the needs of the children attending.

This recognition applies specifically to PHECC First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid. It does not apply to the FAE Basic First Aid stream.

This is the TUSLA link: https://www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/EYI-RN12.8_First_Aid_requirements_in_pre-school_services_.pdf

Outstanding medical expertise, delivered in a clear and engaging way

The knowledge of the medical world is simply outstanding and breathtaking, but I was most impressed with the way they taught the class. It was a breath of fresh air. Anyone can read off PowerPoint, but First Aid Coaching used their own technique which was far more interesting and easier to take in. I can highly recommend First Aid Coaching.

John Dorgan

A first aid course that redefines learning

Our memory favours fun and stimulating experiences. If someone were to sit down and try to design a perfect first aid course, they would fall short of the delivery through Real First Aid. I have been on a few first aid courses — this not only changed my perception of what first aid is about, but altered my understanding of how to teach effectively.

Mary Power

A breath of fresh air in training

Having done one before that was up for renewal (with a different provider), I hadn’t expected to learn much new. How wrong was I. The thoroughly in-depth knowledge combined with creative delivery meant the course was a breath of fresh air, and although the topics were familiar, it felt completely new. What really stood out was that they welcomed questions specific to our individual working environments, which I have found invaluable and definitely made me a better leader.

Adam Collins

First aid training that finally sticks

I have attended several first aid courses over the years and, like most people, I find it increasingly difficult to stay awake, let alone take in the important information. This course was great. It kept you on the edge of your seat and wide awake. I truly believe that I have learnt first aid for the first time.

Niall Horgan

Calm, reassuring support when it mattered

I am so thankful for attending the course today. I was very anxious with all that had happened during the week, and I have to say Danny made me feel very comfortable, as I am sure he did the other girls in attendance. Thank you so much, and I look forward to attending another course with you in the near future. I would highly recommend First Aid Coaching.

First Aider, Cork

Engaging, practical and thoroughly enjoyed

I just wanted to sincerely thank both instructors, Karen and Mark, on a fantastic day. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the first aid course, and that is down to both Mark and Karen for making it so engaging and practical.

Kate, St Angela's

A great pace and a supportive atmosphere

Excellent pace of session, with lots of opportunity to practice, relevant feedback and a very supportive atmosphere.

Helena, HSE Staff BLS Candidate

The best in the country

PJ was brilliant last night — the three of us enjoyed it and learned from it! You were right, PJ is the best in the country!

Karina, Cork

What you will learn

Introduction to First Aid

  • The role and responsibilities of the first aider
  • Scene safety and emergency management
  • Communicating with children, parents and emergency services
  • Patient consent and capacity
  • Recognising signs of abuse or neglect
  • Supporting responder wellbeing

Paediatric Patient Assessment

  • Conducting a primary survey
  • Conducting a secondary survey
  • Assessing vital signs
  • Recognising life-threatening conditions
  • Communicating effectively with a sick or injured child
  • Providing an effective handover to emergency services

Cardiac First Response – Community

  • Recognising cardiac arrest
  • Adult, child and infant CPR
  • Safe use of an automated external defibrillator
  • Responding to choking in adults, children and infants
  • Recognising heart attack and stroke
  • Activating emergency medical services

Injury Management

  • Controlling external bleeding
  • Wound care
  • Burns and scalds
  • Head injuries
  • Limb injuries
  • Fractures, sprains and dislocations
  • Safe care of a child while awaiting emergency services

Common Medical Emergencies

  • Asthma
  • Diabetes-related emergencies
  • Seizures
  • Fainting
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Poisoning
  • Sepsis
  • Altered levels of consciousness

Training is practical and scenario-based, with an emphasis on emergencies involving babies and children.

Duration and Class Size

The course consists of exactly 6.5 contact hours and is normally completed over one day.

The maximum instructor-to-learner ratio is one instructor to eight learners. This ensures that every participant has sufficient time to practise, receive feedback and complete the required assessments.

What Is Included?

Every learner receives:

  • 6.5 contact hours of in-person training
  • Practical, scenario-based instruction
  • Training from an experienced, appropriately qualified instructor
  • An individual learner manual
  • Use of the required training equipment
  • Practical skills assessment
  • The PHECC First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid digital certificate following successful completion

The digital certificate is valid for two years from the date of certification.

CFR Community is included as a core component of the programme. Certification is issued for the FAE Paediatric First Aid course completed.

Course Prices

Public Course — €95 per Person

The public course price includes the learner manual, training equipment, assessment and digital certification following successful completion.

Private On-Site Training — €600

Private training can be delivered at an early years service, pre-school, childcare facility, school, workplace or other suitable venue.

Private on-site training: €600 for up to eight learners within our standard delivery area.

For other locations, any additional travel cost will be confirmed before booking.

The group price includes:

  • Training for up to eight learners
  • On-site course delivery
  • Individual learner manuals
  • An experienced, appropriately qualified instructor
  • Training and assessment equipment
  • Digital certification for successful learners

Which First Aid Course Do I Need?

Choose FAE Paediatric First Aid if:

  • You work with or care for babies and children
  • You work in a pre-school or early years service
  • You need training included in Tusla’s September 2026 first aid requirements for pre-school services
  • You are a parent, guardian, childminder, coach or youth volunteer

Choose FAE Basic First Aid if:

  • You want general first aid skills
  • Your primary requirement is not specifically related to babies or children
  • You do not require an occupational first aid qualification

View FAE Basic First Aid Training

Choose First Aid Response if:

  • You will act as a designated occupational first aider
  • Your employer requires the HSA-recognised workplace first aid standard
  • Your workplace risk assessment identifies a requirement for trained First Aid Responders

PHECC First Aid Response is the training standard recognised by the Health and Safety Authority for occupational first aid in Irish workplaces.

View PHECC First Aid Response Training

Why Choose First Aid Coaching?

  • PHECC Approved Training Institution
  • Training delivered in conjunction with UFAS
  • Experienced instructors with emergency response, healthcare and education backgrounds
  • Practical training focused on babies and children
  • Maximum of eight learners per instructor
  • Public and private on-site options
  • Individual learner manuals
  • Clear pricing
  • Nationwide delivery options
  • Digital certification valid for two years

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FAE Paediatric First Aid recognised by Tusla?

From September 2026, Tusla includes PHECC First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid among the qualifications considered to meet the first aid training requirement for pre-school services under Regulation 25(1).

How long is the course?

The course contains 6.5 contact hours and is normally completed over one day.

Do I need previous first aid experience?

No. The course is suitable for beginners and people updating their paediatric first aid skills.

Is the course completed online?

No. FAE Paediatric First Aid is practical, instructor-led training delivered in person.

Will I receive a learner manual?

Yes. Every participant receives an individual learner manual.

What certificate will I receive?

Following successful completion, you will receive the PHECC First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid digital certificate.

How long is the certificate valid?

The certificate is valid for two years from the date of certification.

How many learners can attend?

The maximum class size is eight learners for each instructor.

Can you deliver the course at our premises?

Yes. Private on-site training costs €600 for up to eight learners within our standard delivery area. Additional travel costs for other locations will be confirmed before booking.

Book PHECC Paediatric First Aid Training

Public courses cost €95 per person.

Private on-site training costs €600 for up to eight learners within our standard delivery area.

Call: 01 554 9708
Email: firstaid@firstaidcoaching.ie

Delivery and Certification

First Aid Coaching is a PHECC Approved Training Institution.

This First Aid Essentials course is delivered by First Aid Coaching in conjunction with UFAS, which holds the relevant approval to provide the programme.

Following successful completion, certification is processed through this approved arrangement and learners receive the PHECC First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid digital certificate, valid for two years.

Delivery and Certification

First Aid Coaching is a PHECC Approved Training Institution.

This First Aid Essentials course is delivered by First Aid Coaching in conjunction with UFAS, which holds the relevant approval to provide the programme.

Following successful completion, certification is processed through this approved arrangement and learners receive the PHECC First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid digital certificate, valid for two years.