FIRST AID FOR PARENTS
The calm, clear guide every mum deserves.
This guide gives you the essential first aid steps every parent needs — choking, burns, head injuries, breathing issues, fevers, allergic reactions, first aid kits, babyproofing, and when to call 999.
It’s designed to help you feel calm, capable, and confident in moments every parent fears.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why Every Parent
Needs First Aid
Knowledge
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual — especially in emergencies.
Being the calm and confident parent in that moment isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about knowing what actually matters and acting quickly.
As a paramedic mum, here’s what I know:
✨ Parents don’t need perfection
✨ Parents don’t need jargon
✨ Parents don’t need fear
Parents need clarity, calm, and the right steps at the right time.
The Most Common Childhood Emergencies
Choking
Choking is the #1 fear for new parents — and choking rescue is one of the easiest skills to learn.
If your child is coughing:
✔ Encourage them to cough.
✔ Stay close.
✔ Don’t put fingers in their mouth.
If they can’t cough / breathe:
Under 1:
5 back blows
5 chest thrusts
Repeat
Use the LifeVac Anti-Choking Device
Over 1:
5 back blows
5 abdominal thrusts
Repeat
Use the LifeVac Anti-Choking Device
If they go unresponsive → Call 999 + start CPR
Burns & Scalds
What to do first:
Cool the burn for 20 minutes under running water.
Remove clothing and jewelery.
Cover loosely with cling film.
Never apply butter, toothpaste, ice, or creams.
Head Injuries
Head Injury Red Flags
Include (but are not limited to):
repeated vomiting
confusion
drowsiness
seizure
baby under 1
“not themselves”
Breathing Problems
Call 999 if:
✔ chest sucking in
✔ fast breathing
✔ grunting
✔ blue/grey coloured skin
✔ refusing to feed or drink
✔ floppy or change in consciousness
Fever
Safe to monitor at home if:
drinking normally even if little interest in food
alert between naps
breathing comfortably
Seek help if:
baby < 3 months
if they are difficult to rouse
they have a stiff neck or changes to their vision
they have a rash that doesn’t fade with the glass test
any difficulty breathing
becoming dehydrated (less than 6 wees in 24 hours)
Allergic Reaction
When to call 999
Any allergic reaction that affects:
their airway (either by facial swelling or tightness in their throat)
breathing
or how alert they are
Must be assessed by either a paramedic or an emergency department doctor.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergy and must be treated quickly.