FIRST AID FOR PARENTS
Learn the essential first aid steps every parent should know, explained simply and calmly by a UK paramedic mum. Choking, burns, fevers, breathing problems — here’s what really matters and when to call 999.
First Aid for Parents:
Prepared Like a Pro Guide
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This guide provides educational information only. It does not replace professional medical advice. In any emergency, call 999 immediately. For medical concerns about your child, always consult your GP or healthcare provider.
By Johnee (Jo) Whalen HCPC Critical Care Paramedic, NHS Resuscitation Practitioner, RCUK Instructor
Medically Reviewed: 24/11/2025
Last Updated: 24/11/2025
The calm, clear guide every mum deserves.
This first aid for parents guide is the tell all from one mum to another and will give 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.
And what the NHS has to say about it all.
It’s designed to help you feel calm, capable, and confident in moments every parent fears.
Coming from a paramedic who’s a mum of 2 and been exactly where you are now.
I am sharing this information because it should be common knowledge - these are not mystical medical secrets.
Society just forgot to pass it onto the next generation.
So here we are, let’s chat, and take back the knowledge that should have always been ours - how to be there for our kids when they need us the most!
(Without sh*#ing ourselves in the process!)
Why Every Parent Needs First Aid Skills (And What to Learn First)
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.
In my opinion, no one should ever start a weaning journey without having some choking rescue first aid knowledge.
And one better - a back up plan that lives in their kitchen. For the 30% of times that traditional choking rescue doesn’t work.
Check out the LifeVac Anti-Choking Device here. It’s saved over 5009 lives to date; over 3000 were children. This is literally the difference between life and death and it is as easy to use as place, push, pull.
If your child is coughing:
✔ Encourage them to cough.
✔ Stay close.
✔ Don’t sweep blindly with your fingers to get the obstruction out.
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
I know I’ve caught myself here a few times, boiled the kettle, made a cuppa, the kids start screaming or the dog is going nuts and we go see what the heck is wrong.
That hot cup of tea sits just a bit too close to the edge of the counter and within dangerous reach of our ever so curious little minions.
When we return to find it untouched, we thank f#*k that our littles didn’t grab it!
But what if they did…?
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
Ok here’s one - your toddler is jumping on the bed, because they find it hilarious and your £500 not-a-trampoline is better than any bog standard trampoline. And…. it comes fully equipped with a parachute and pillow weapons.
But instead of jumping up they jump head first into the damn wall (you knew you should have put up the squishy headboard a week ago).
THUD
They get up and carry on… because apparently toddlers are built of unicorn dust, pure titanium and courage.
But sometimes you should worry when they smash their noggin.
When to Worry After a Head Bump
Call 999 or go straight to A&E if your child:
Was knocked out - even if they have woken up and now feel better.
Can't stay awake or keep their eyes open
Has a seizure or fit
Fell from higher than 5 stairs or 1 metre
Can't see, hear, or feel properly
Has clear fluid or blood coming from their ears or nose
Has trouble walking, talking, or understanding you
Hit their head at speed (car accident, bike crash, diving)
Has something stuck in the wound or a dent in their head
Go to A&E if your child:
Has a bump, cut or bruise bigger than a golf ball (5cm) on their head
Has vomited since the bump
Has a headache that won't go away
Seems more irritable, distracted, or loses interest in things (especially under 5s)
Is crying more than usual (babies and toddlers)
Seems confused or has memory problems
Also go to A&E if:
Your child takes blood thinners or has a bleeding disorder
Your child has had brain surgery before
Remember: Some symptoms show up days or even weeks later. Trust your gut — you know your child best.
Breathing Problems
Kids Get Sick Differently Than Adults — Here's What You Need to Know
Think of it like this: a new car vs an old beater.
When adults get sick, we look rough from the start — and we slowly get worse. We're the old beater sputtering along, giving you plenty of warning signs.
But kids? They're like new cars with all the fancy systems. They have an incredible ability to keep running smoothly — even when things are going wrong under the hood.
Here's what that looks like in real life:
Your child has a cold or flu. For most of the illness, they seem totally fine. Playing. Eating. Acting normal. They're using every bit of energy and strength they have to protect their most important organs — their brain, heart, and lungs.
Then suddenly — when they've used up all their fuel and can't compensate anymore — they crash fast.
One minute they're okay. The next, they've deteriorated quickly.
This is why watching your child closely during illness matters so much. They might look fine — until they're not.
Trust your gut. If something feels off, even if they seem okay, get them checked.
Call 999 If Your Child:
Can't breathe properly:
Makes grunting noises when breathing
Sucks their tummy in under their ribs when breathing
Changes color:
Lips or skin turn very pale, blue or grey
(On brown or black skin, check their palms)
Acts suddenly confused:
Suddenly agitated or behaving oddly
Crying constantly and can't be calmed
Goes floppy or unresponsive:
Limp or floppy body
Head falls to the side, back or forward
Can't lift their head
Won't focus on your face or respond like normal
If you see any of these — call 999 straight away.
Fever
Fever is a funny one - there are so many myths and wives tales and home remedies for fever.
If there was one thing I wish every parent knew about fever it’s this:
FEVER IS SAFE & IMPORTANT.
Fever is the bodies natural way of fighting infection.
Fever doesn’t need to be broken - it needs to be embraced.
Give medication to help provide comfort if they are miserable - otherwise leave the fever be!
Febrile seizure can not be caused or prevented; and is rarely dangerous.
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)
or you are worried (parental instinct is important)!
Allergic Reaction
The one thing that is important for all parents to know is when allergy has become anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergy and must be treated quickly.
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.