Paediatric Life Support Training for Caregivers
Paediatric Life Support Training
Course Overview
Paediatric Life Support (PLS) training is a vital, evidence-based course designed to equip healthcare professionals, emergency responders, childcare staff, and caregivers with the critical skills to recognise and respond swiftly to life-threatening emergencies in infants and children.
This comprehensive training emphasises rapid assessment, high-quality CPR, effective airway management, and safe use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), aligned with the latest UK and international resuscitation guidelines.
You may also want to look at our basic life support course and first aid courses to compare options.
Course Information:
- Course Duration: 3 hours
- Course Level: Level 2
- Certificate Validity: 2-year certificate
- Max Delegates: 12
- Practical: Yes
- Course Mode: Face to Face
Who the Training Is For
- Healthcare professionals working with children
- Emergency responders and first aiders
- School, nursery, and childcare staff
- Anyone responsible for the care or safety of infants and children
What the Paediatric BLS Course Covers
- Understand the Principles and Guidelines of Paediatric Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Recognise and Respond to Critical Conditions in Infants and children
- CPR for infants and children
- Safe and effective use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Apply Post-Resuscitation Care and Positioning Techniques
- Management of choking in infants and children
- Primary and secondary assessment
- Team-based response and communication during emergencies
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Identify life-threatening conditions in infants and children
- Deliver high‑quality chest compressions and rescue breaths
- Use an AED safely and appropriately
- Respond effectively to choking incidents
- Work as part of a coordinated paediatric emergency response
Training Format
- Practical, hands‑on sessions using paediatric manikins and training equipment
- Instructor-led demonstrations and scenario-based learning
- Classroom teaching supported by real‑world examples
Certification
Successful learners will receive a certification valid for two years, demonstrating their competence in basic life support for infants and children and confidence with professional standards.
Why This Training Matters
Paediatric emergencies demand immediate, skilled intervention to improve survival and recovery outcomes. This training empowers learners to act decisively, ensuring safe and effective life support that aligns with legal and professional responsibilities.
Comparing Courses:Paediatric Training Comparison Table
| Course | Level | Duration | Who It’s For | Core Content | Key Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paediatric Basic Life Support (PBLS) | Basic | 3 hours | Anyone: healthcare assistants, first aiders, childcare staff | CPR for infants/children, AED use, choking, recognising arrest | Immediate life‑saving actions before advanced help arrives |
| Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS / ILS) | Intermediate | 1 day | Clinical staff likely to be first responders | PBLS + airway management, oxygen, manual defib, recognising deterioration, team response | Bridge between BLS and advanced life support for clinical environments |
| Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA) | First aid | 1 day | Schools, childcare, parents, early years settings | DRABC, CPR, choking, bleeding, burns, seizures, allergic reactions | Basic first aid + PBLS for common childhood emergencies |
| Full Paediatric First Aid (PFA) | Comprehensive | 2 days | Early years practitioners needing EYFS/Ofsted compliance | All 1‑day content + secondary survey, extended scenarios, detailed illness/injury management, legal duties | Full statutory paediatric first aid qualification for nurseries and early years settings |
Paediatric Life Support Courses FAQs
Who should attend Paediatric Life Support training?
This course is ideal for healthcare professionals, emergency responders, childcare staff, parents, and anyone responsible for the care and safety of infants and children.
How long is the Paediatric Life Support course?
2–3 hour session combining practical and theoretical learning
Does the course include Practical CPR and AED training?
Yes. Paediatric basic life support course includes practical CPR and AED training, with learners practising chest compressions, rescue breaths and safe defibrillation using paediatric manikins and training devices.
What key skills will I learn?
Skills include paediatric CPR, choking management, emergency assessment, AED operation, and team communication.
How often should I renew my Paediatric Life Support training?
You should renew your basic life support training for infant every year. This keeps your CPR and AED skills sharp, maintains compliance with UK best‑practice guidance, and ensures you stay confident responding to paediatric emergencies.
Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificates for childcare settings are usually valid for three years, with annual refreshers recommended to maintain confidence and competence.
Can I take this course online?
No — this course cannot be taken fully online because it requires practical, hands‑on CPR and AED training using paediatric manikins and equipment. Learners must attend in person to demonstrate safe, effective life‑support skills.
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