The Essential First Aid Skills Every Childcare Worker Should Know

Working in early childhood education is incredibly rewarding — but it also comes with significant responsibility, especially when it comes to health and safety. When you’re caring for babies, toddlers, and young children, emergencies can happen fast — and often when you least expect them.

That’s why childcare workers need more than just a basic understanding of first aid. They need hands-on training, real confidence, and the ability to act quickly under pressure.

This guide outlines the key first aid skills every childcare educator, assistant, and support staff member must know — and how to ensure your centre stays compliant with Australian regulations and best practice.

Why First Aid Training Matters in Childcare

Children are curious, energetic, and still learning their physical boundaries. This makes childcare environments high-risk settings for injuries, allergic reactions, and medical emergencies.

According to Safe Work Australia, early childhood educators experience some of the highest rates of workplace incidents involving children, including:

Choking and breathing difficulties
Head injuries from falls
Allergic reactions
Burns and scalds
Seizures or febrile convulsions
Asthma attacks
Cuts, bruises, and fractures

In these situations, knowing exactly what to do — not just in theory but in practice — can make all the difference.

Mandatory First Aid Requirements for Childcare in Australia

Under the Education and Care Services National Regulations, all childcare services must ensure:

At least one staff member with current, approved first aid qualifications is in attendance at all times
That staff are trained in anaphylaxis management and emergency asthma response
All qualifications are kept up to date, with CPR refreshed every 12 months

The most commonly required courses include:

HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting
HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
22578VIC – Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis (if applicable)

The Must-Have First Aid Skills for Childcare Workers

Here are the core skills your staff must not only learn — but feel confident performing in a real emergency:

1. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Performed on infants, children, and adults
Using correct compression techniques for each age group
Including the use of an AED (defibrillator)

2. Choking Response

Back blows and chest thrusts for babies
Abdominal thrusts for older children
Monitoring for airway obstruction and breathing difficulty

3. Asthma Emergency Management

Identifying the signs of an asthma attack
Using spacer devices and Ventolin
Following individual asthma action plans

4. Anaphylaxis Response

Recognising signs of severe allergic reactions
Administering EpiPen and Anapen confidently
Following ASCIA Action Plans and calling emergency services

5. Bleeding and Wound Care

Controlling bleeding
Bandaging and immobilising
Knowing when to escalate or contact parents

6. Burns and Scalds

Cooling techniques (20 minutes of cool running water)
When to cover, when to refer
Managing burns from hot drinks, food, heaters, and sun exposure

7. Head Injuries and Falls

Identifying red flags for concussion
Monitoring children post-injury
Recording and reporting procedures

8. Febrile Convulsions and Seizures

Keeping the child safe during a seizure
When to administer emergency medication (if applicable)
Noting seizure duration and communicating with families

Why Hands-On Training Is Critical

While online modules and presentations have their place, first aid is a practical skill — and it must be learned through hands-on training and repeated practice.

At AB First Aid, we focus on:

Small group, practical sessions
Trainer devices for EpiPen, Anapen, and asthma spacers
CPR on infant and child manikins
Realistic, childcare-focused scenarios
Support for educators who speak English as a second language

Because when it comes to children’s safety, there’s no room for guesswork.

How Often Should Training Be Updated?

Skill/Qualification	Update Frequency
CPR (HLTAID009)	Every 12 months
First Aid (HLTAID012)	Every 3 years
Anaphylaxis & Asthma	Every 3 years (or as directed by state authority)
Emergency Briefings (e.g. for schools)	Twice per year