Baby & Child First Aid in Dublin: CPR, Choking & What to Do in an Emergency

Why Parents and Carers Should Learn First Aid

Emergencies involving babies and children are rare — but when they happen, every second counts. The most common paediatric emergencies that first aid training prepares you for include:

• Choking — a leading cause of injury in infants and toddlers
• Cardiac arrest — less common in children than adults, but survival depends entirely on immediate CPR
• Drowning or near-drowning — requires immediate rescue breathing and CPR
• Unresponsiveness — from seizures, allergic reactions, or other causes

In all of these situations, what you do in the first two to three minutes makes the greatest difference — long before an ambulance can arrive.

CPR for Infants and Children: How It Differs from Adults

The principles of CPR are the same across all age groups, but the technique changes for infants and children. Our full guide on how to perform CPR covers adults, children, and infants in detail. Here is a quick overview of the key differences:

Infant CPR (Under 1 Year)

• Use two fingers (not the heel of your hand) for chest compressions
• Compress the chest by about 4 cm — roughly one third of the chest depth
• Cover both the mouth and nose with your mouth for rescue breaths
• Give 30 compressions to every 2 rescue breaths (same ratio as adults)

Child CPR (1 Year to Puberty)

• Use one or two hands depending on the size of the child
• Compress the chest by about 5 cm
• Cover the mouth only for rescue breaths (pinch the nose)
• 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths

What to Do If a Baby or Child Is Choking

Choking is one of the most frightening emergencies a parent can face. It can happen in seconds — often during feeding or play. Knowing what to do immediately can prevent a tragedy.

If an Infant Is Choking

1. Hold the baby face-down along your forearm, supporting their head
2. Give up to 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand
3. Turn the baby face-up and give up to 5 chest thrusts using two fingers on the centre of the chest
4. Check the mouth after each set — only remove an object if you can clearly see it
5. Call 999 if the obstruction does not clear, or if the baby becomes unresponsive

If a Child Is Choking

1. Encourage them to cough if they can — an effective cough is the best way to clear an airway
2. If they cannot cough or are not shifting the obstruction, give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades
3. If that does not work, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre)
4. Alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts
5. Call 999 if the blockage does not clear, or if the child loses consciousness

What to Do If a Child Collapses

The same sequence applies as for an adult collapse — check for danger, check for response, call for help, and start CPR if they are not breathing normally. Our guide on what to do if someone collapses covers the full step-by-step sequence.

For children, remember:

• Give 5 initial rescue breaths before starting CPR
• AEDs can be used on children — most modern AEDs have a paediatric setting or paediatric pads
• If paediatric pads are not available, standard adult pads can be used on children over 8 years old

Can You Use a Defibrillator on a Child?

Yes. AEDs can and should be used on children in cardiac arrest. Most AEDs now have a paediatric mode or smaller paediatric pads for use on children under 8. Our guide on how to use a defibrillator explains this in detail.

The key message: do not hesitate to use an AED on a child. The device will assess the heart rhythm and only deliver a shock if it is needed.

Who Should Do a Baby and Child First Aid Course in Dublin?

A first aid course that includes infant and child CPR is valuable for anyone who spends time around young children:

• Parents and grandparents
• Childminders and au pairs
• Creche and preschool staff
• School staff and teachers
• Sports coaches working with youth teams
• Anyone expecting a new baby

You do not need any medical background. The skills are straightforward to learn — and a good course will leave you feeling calm and prepared rather than overwhelmed.

Common Questions

Does the CFR course cover infant and child CPR?

Yes. Our PHECC-certified Cardiac First Responder course covers CPR for adults, children, and infants — as well as choking response for all age groups.

How long does the course take?

Approximately 3.5 hours. It is designed to be completed in a single session, with plenty of hands-on practice time.

Do I need experience to attend?

No experience is required. The course is designed for complete beginners and is suitable for anyone, regardless of background.

Where is the course held?

Our courses are held at Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin, accessible by Luas, bus, and car.

Final Thoughts

No parent wants to think about their child in a medical emergency — but being prepared is one of the most loving things you can do. A few hours of first aid training can give you the confidence and skills to act calmly when it matters most.

If you are looking for a first aid course in Dublin that covers infant and child CPR, book your place today.