Adult and Paediatric Emergency First Aid in the Workplace
This unit covers the essential emergency first aid skills for both adults and paediatric casualties in a workplace setting, aligning with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements for first aiders. Learners must demonstrate competence in managing unresponsive casualties, choking, bleeding, and other critical conditions, while understanding legal responsibilities, infection control, and incident reporting. Practical assessment is central; evidence of effective intervention, safety awareness, and adaptable communication with casualties of different ages is required.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The STA Level 3 Award in Adult and Paediatric First Aid is a regulated qualification designed for individuals who need to provide first aid to both adults and children. This includes those working in early years settings, schools, childcare, or anyone responsible for the welfare of others. The course covers essential life-saving skills such as CPR, choking, bleeding, and anaphylaxis, tailored to different age groups. It is a comprehensive qualification that meets Ofsted and EYFS requirements, making it vital for professionals in health and social care.
This award is part of the Safety Training Awards (STA) suite of vocational qualifications. It is typically delivered over two days and includes both theoretical knowledge and practical assessments. Students learn to assess incidents, manage emergencies, and provide appropriate care until professional help arrives. The qualification is valid for three years, after which a refresher course is recommended to maintain competence.
Understanding adult and paediatric first aid is crucial because emergencies can happen anywhere, and the needs of adults and children differ significantly. For example, CPR techniques for infants require two fingers rather than two hands, and the management of choking varies by age. This course ensures that students can respond confidently and correctly, potentially saving lives in their workplace or community.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Primary Survey (DRABC): Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation – the systematic approach to assessing any casualty.
- →CPR for different age groups: Adult (30:2 ratio, two hands), Child (30:2, one or two hands), Infant (30:2, two fingers).
- →Choking management: Back blows and abdominal thrusts for adults and children over 1 year; back blows and chest thrusts for infants under 1 year.
- →Recovery position: Used for unconscious breathing casualties; modified for infants (cradle hold) and children (standard recovery position).
- →Anaphylaxis: Recognition of severe allergic reaction and use of adrenaline auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen) for both adults and children.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- 1. Understand the role and responsibilities of a first aider2. Be able to assess an emergency situation safely3. Be able to provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally4. Be able to provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty who is not breathing normally5. Be able to provide first aid to a casualty who is choking6. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty who is experiencing a seizure7. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty who is suffering from shock8. Be able to provide first aid to a casualty with external bleeding9. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty with minor injuries
- 1. Understand the role and responsibilities of a first aider2. Be able to assess an emergency situation safely3. Be able to provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally4. Be able to provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty who is not breathing normally5. Be able to provide first aid to a casualty who is choking6. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty who is experiencing a seizure7. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty who is suffering from shock8. Be able to provide first aid to a casualty with external bleeding9. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty with minor injuries
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for demonstrating the correct sequence of DRABC (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) during primary assessment, including checking for danger before approaching.
- Evidence must show appropriate modification of techniques for paediatric casualties, such as using two fingers for chest compressions on an infant and appropriate rescue breath volumes.
- When managing an unresponsive breathing casualty, the learner must place the casualty correctly in the recovery position, ensuring the airway remains open and the position is stable.
- For choking management, credit is given for correctly alternating between back blows and abdominal thrusts for adults, and back blows and chest thrusts for infants, with appropriate force.
- In external bleeding scenarios, the assessor must see direct pressure applied immediately, with a sterile dressing, and the injured part elevated if possible, while minimising contact with blood.
- Award credit for demonstrating a systematic primary survey following DR ABC (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) in the correct sequence.
- Expect clear evidence of effective infection control measures, including the correct use of gloves and other personal protective equipment throughout the assessment.
- For CPR, assess correct hand position, depth and rate of compressions (5-6cm, 100-120 bpm), and appropriate rescue breath technique if required, with minimal interruptions.
- Award credit for correctly identifying the type of bleeding and applying appropriate direct pressure, elevation, and a sterile dressing to control external haemorrhage.
- Expect management of a choking casualty to include back blows and abdominal/chest thrusts appropriate to the casualty's age, performed until the obstruction is cleared or the casualty becomes unresponsive.
- Look for proper placement of an unresponsive, breathing casualty into the recovery position, ensuring the airway remains open and the position is monitored for deterioration.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡During practical assessments, verbalise your actions clearly to show understanding of the steps, even if the casualty is a manikin; this demonstrates underpinning knowledge.
- 💡Always state the need to send for a defibrillator (AED) whenever commencing CPR, as this is a key point that assessors observe.
- 💡When dealing with paediatric scenarios, explicitly mention how you would adapt communication and technique, such as using age-appropriate language and gentler touch.
- 💡Revise the differences in rescue breath volumes for infants, children, and adults; mixing these up is a common reason for failing the breathing component.
- 💡Always verbalise your actions during practical assessments, clearly stating what you are checking for and why, as this demonstrates understanding even if the scenario is simulated.
- 💡Prioritise calling for emergency help early; if the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally, send a bystander to call 999 and fetch an AED immediately after confirming the absence of normal breathing.
- 💡In paediatric scenarios, adjust your techniques: use two fingers for infant chest compressions, one hand for a child, and remember the ratios of compressions to breaths remain the same but be gentler with rescue breaths.
- 💡For shock management, remember the simple mnemonic 'WARTS': Warmth, Air (oxygen), Rest, Treatment of cause, Semi-recumbent position as tolerated, and reassure the casualty.
- 💡In practical assessments, always state what you are doing out loud. For example, when checking for danger, say 'I am checking for danger to myself, the casualty, and others.' This shows the examiner you are following the correct sequence.
- 💡Know the differences between adult and paediatric protocols. A common mistake is using adult ratios for children. Memorise: adult 30:2, child 30:2 (but use one hand if small), infant 30:2 (two fingers).
- 💡For the theory paper, focus on the signs and symptoms of common conditions like asthma, diabetes, and anaphylaxis. Be able to list at least three signs for each and the appropriate first aid treatment.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Forgetting to check for danger before approaching a casualty, compromising personal safety and that of others.
- Confusing the treatment for an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally with one who is not breathing normally, potentially delaying CPR.
- In choking scenarios, using abdominal thrusts on an infant, which is a contraindicated technique and can cause serious injury.
- Applying a tourniquet as a first-line treatment for external bleeding, instead of recognising it as a last resort when direct pressure fails.
- Neglecting to call for emergency medical help early, especially in critical situations like severe bleeding or an unresponsive casualty not breathing.
- Failing to check for danger before approaching the casualty, potentially endangering the first aider or others.
- Confusing the protocols for a casualty who is unresponsive but breathing normally with one who is not breathing, leading to delayed CPR or incorrect positioning.
- Performing abdominal thrusts on an infant instead of back blows and chest thrusts, which can cause serious internal injury.
- Removing embedded objects from a wound rather than stabilising them and applying indirect pressure, increasing the risk of further tissue damage.
- Assuming a casualty fainting is a seizure and trying to restrain them, rather than managing the faint with leg elevation and monitoring.
- Overlooking the need to treat for shock in casualties with significant bleeding or trauma by not keeping them warm and failing to raise their legs if appropriate.
- Misconception: You should put something in a seizure victim's mouth to prevent tongue biting. Correction: Never put anything in the mouth; clear the area and protect the head, but do not restrain.
- Misconception: For a nosebleed, tilt the head back. Correction: Lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10-15 minutes to prevent blood from entering the airway.
- Misconception: CPR should be stopped if the casualty shows signs of life. Correction: Continue CPR until the casualty is breathing normally, an AED is attached and advises no shock, or emergency services take over. Signs of life may be agonal breathing, which is not effective breathing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for SAFETY TRAINING AWARDS Adult and Paediatric Emergency First Aid in the Workplace
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic understanding of first aid principles (e.g., from a previous introductory course or personal study).
- •Communication skills to interact with casualties and emergency services.
- •Physical ability to perform CPR and other practical skills (reasonable adjustments can be made for disabilities).
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- 1. Understand the role and responsibilities of a first aider2. Be able to assess an emergency situation safely3. Be able to provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally4. Be able to provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty who is not breathing normally5. Be able to provide first aid to a casualty who is choking6. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty who is experiencing a seizure7. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty who is suffering from shock8. Be able to provide first aid to a casualty with external bleeding9. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty with minor injuries
- 1. Understand the role and responsibilities of a first aider2. Be able to assess an emergency situation safely3. Be able to provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally4. Be able to provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty who is not breathing normally5. Be able to provide first aid to a casualty who is choking6. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty who is experiencing a seizure7. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty who is suffering from shock8. Be able to provide first aid to a casualty with external bleeding9. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty with minor injuries
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