Published 31 August 2014

Building on the success of IQL UK’s First Aid at Work qualification the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK) trading subsidiary has made two new additions to its courses which aim to broaden skill set of sport and leisure staff even further.

The newly created Paediatric Emergency First Aid and Paediatric First Aid courses have been designed for those responsible for the welfare of children in any setting and are ideal to expand the knowledge and capabilities of staff.

Alex Blackwell, Pool Programme Manager, IQL UK said: “The safety of young people in pools and leisure centre’s across the UK is paramount and the introduction of the RLSS UK’s Paediatric First Aid courses ensure our lifeguards and other staff within these establishments are as prepared as possible to deal with any emergency situations involving children.

“As well as sport and leisure staff, the courses are also ideal for anyone who works with children or is responsible for their welfare such as nursery workers, child-minders and parents.”

The one day Paediatric Emergency First Aid course covers a wide range of child-related CPR and First Aid skills and equips the first-aider to apply emergency first aid to a range of specific injuries and illnesses. The qualification is valid for three years from the date of completion and covers topics such as CPR, shock, choking, wounds and bleeds and assessing emergency situations.

IQL UK’s two day Paediatric First Aid course covers Paediatric Emergency First Aid plus an additional unit which relates to Managing Paediatric Illness and Injury. This module goes into greater depth of First Aid, covering topics including head and spinal injuries, bites and stings, fractures and dislocations, burns and scalds and poisoning.

Existing RLSS UK Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessors who meet the pre-requisite requirements can apply to deliver the First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid qualifications. This helps provide a clear path for trainers so once qualified, they can deliver training to other employees on site, providing a very cost effective and efficient solution.

The Paediatric First Aid qualification also provides operators with the opportunity to create an addition revenue stream by running courses for parents and those involved with childcare provision.