How to Revise CTQ Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid — Certify Training Qualifications Vocationally-Related Qualification Health & Social Care
1. Understand the role of the paediatric first aider2. Assess a range of paediatric first aid situations in order to provide emergency first aid3. Provide appropriate paediatric first aid for a range of emergency situations and casualties
Examiner Tips for CTQ Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid
- During practical assessment, verbalise every step—state what you are checking for and why—to demonstrate underpinning knowledge even if the manikin shows no response.
- When managing a choking scenario, clearly differentiate between mild and severe obstruction and recount the current Resuscitation Council UK algorithms aloud to gain full marks.
- Practice the primary survey as a fluid routine; examiners look for confidence and a calm, methodical approach, not speed. If you miss a step, go back and correct it without panicking.
- For the documentation task, pre-learn the PEEP (Position, Evaluation, Event, Plan) format for handover; this will help you structure your written record and verbal briefing concisely.
- Practice on manikins to build muscle memory for CPR.
- Memorise the differences in first aid for infants vs children.
- Stay calm and follow the DRABC (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) protocol.
Common Mistakes in CTQ Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid
- Failing to check for danger before approaching the casualty, compromising personal safety.
- Confusing the CPR sequence for infants versus children (e.g., using two-finger technique on an older child or incorrect compression depth).
- Ineffective back blows and thrusts for choking due to insufficient force or incorrect hand positioning, often stemming from fear of harming the child.
- Applying direct pressure with a non-sterile fabric or removing an embedded object from a wound, increasing infection and bleeding risk.
- Overlooking the need to call for emergency help early or failing to clearly communicate the casualty's condition when handing over to paramedics.
- Using adult CPR ratios for children or infants.
Key Marking Points
- Award credit for demonstrating a systematic primary survey (DRABC) on an infant and child manikin, identifying life-threatening conditions.
- Award credit for correctly performing infant and child CPR, including rescue breaths and chest compressions at appropriate depths and ratios, with minimal hesitation.