Parent First Aid

07/09/2025

And the Oscar goes to…🤣

04/09/2025

⚽️Sport First Aid Training🥋

✅ Why Sports Clubs Need First Aid Training

High risk of injuries: sprains, fractures, concussions, dislocations, cuts.

Cardiac emergencies: sudden cardiac arrest is rare but possible — having an AED and knowing how to use it saves lives.

Head injuries & concussion management: common in contact sports.

Child safeguarding: many clubs involve young players.

📚 What Training Should Cover

Emergency Action Principles

Calling 112 / 999 in Ireland

Scene safety & casualty assessment

Life-Saving Skills

CPR for adults & children

AED use (essential for clubs)

Recovery position

Sports-Specific First Aid

Managing sprains, strains, fractures

Recognising & treating concussion

Dealing with nosebleeds, cuts, dental injuries

Heat exhaustion, dehydration & hypothermia

Allergies & Asthma

Using an EpiPen

Assisting with inhalers

Club-Specific Scenarios

Multiple casualties (e.g., collisions)

Injuries during training vs matches

Evacuation procedures

If your sports or social club require first aid training, we provide training across Ireland. Get in touch today at www.totalsafety.ie

02/09/2025

02/09/2025

Sponsoring a defibrillator (AED) can make a real difference in a community or organisation in Ireland. Here’s what’s involved:

✅ Ways to Sponsor a Defibrillator in Ireland

1. Through Charities & Community Groups

Total Safety Services – They support CPR/AED training and can advise on community projects.

Community First Responder (CFR) groups – Many local groups fundraise for AEDs and welcome sponsorships.

Sports clubs, GAA clubs, schools, and parish groups often run AED fundraising drives where sponsors can donate or part-fund a unit.

2. Corporate & Business Sponsorship

Businesses sometimes sponsor an AED for their premises, a local sports club, or a town centre.

In return, sponsors are usually acknowledged on the AED cabinet or through community publicity.

3. Buying & Donating an AED

AED units in Ireland typically cost approx €1,300 – €2,500 depending on model and whether you also provide a heated outdoor cabinet.

Maintenance costs include pads and batteries (replaced every 2–4 years)

4. National Schemes

Some government and HSE-supported initiatives part-fund defibrillators for communities.

Example: The Sports Capital & Equipment Programme sometimes covers AEDs for sports organisations.

⚡ Key Steps to Sponsor

Choose the location or group you want to support (club, school, town).

Decide on funding – full AED, part-sponsorship, or covering maintenance.

Order through an approved supplier (they often help with installation and training).

Register the AED with the National Ambulance Service (NAS) so 999/112 operators know it’s available.

To find out more, please contact us at www.totalsafety.ie

02/09/2025

📣Calling all WATERFORD parents and childminders! Parent First Aid returns to Treacys Hotel Waterford on Thursday 11th September from 7pm to 9pm.
Learn life saving paediatric first aid skills...

Book Online >

Parent First Aid is Ireland’s leading provider of paediatric first aid training for parents & childminders and offers: 2 hour practical

01/09/2025

One week left to secure your place on our paediatric first aid classes running online and in locations around Ireland.

Be prepared for a family medical emergency by learning life saving first aid techniques from our highly experienced & qualified instructors who deliver our classes in a safe & relaxed learning environment.

View Classes & Online Booking Link > https://www.parentfirstaid.ie/courses-2/

29/08/2025

The number one reason kids get into poisons is they can. Make it so they can't, by locking your poisons up high and out of reach and out of sight. The number for the National Poisons Information Centre in Ireland is 01 809 2166

28/08/2025

🚑Ambulance Responses for a Child Choking🚑

HSE-backed figures indicating that ambulances are called about 17 times per week in Ireland for choking incidents involving children—highlighting a significant national safety concern.

Two key areas of importance for parents is choking prevention in the home;

1. Food Safety

Cut food into safe shapes:
Grapes, cherry tomatoes, blueberries → slice lengthwise.
Sausages, carrots, cheese sticks → cut into thin strips, not rounds.

Avoid high-risk foods for under 4 years: whole nuts, popcorn, hard candy, marshmallows, chewing gum.

Encourage slow eating — no running, laughing, or talking with food in the mouth.

Supervise meals & snacks — never leave small children eating unattended.

2. Toys & Household Items

Keep small objects (coins, beads, buttons, Lego, batteries) out of reach.
Check toy labels for age suitability.
Avoid giving children balloons — uninflated or broken latex can block an airway.

5. Emergency Preparedness

Learn paediatric first aid:

Back blows and chest thrusts for infants.
Back blows and abdominal thrusts for older children.
Keep emergency numbers saved on your phone.

Teach carers, babysitters, and grandparents how to act quickly.

✅ Prevention is key: Most choking incidents happen at home, during everyday meals and play.
✅ Preparedness saves lives: Knowing what to do makes all the difference.

Please feel free to share with family, friends & colleagues.

www.parentfirstaid.ie

27/08/2025

Paediatric First Aid is hugely valuable for parents, teachers, childcare workers, and anyone around children. Here are some essential, practical tips (not a substitute for certified training, but useful reminders):

🧸 Paediatric First Aid Tips
1. Choking

For babies under 1 year:

Place the baby face down along your forearm, supporting the head.

Give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades.

If still choking, turn them over and give 5 chest thrusts with two fingers in the centre of the chest.

For children over 1 year:

Encourage coughing if possible.

If airway is blocked: 5 back blows, then 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich).

⚠️ Always call emergency services if the blockage isn’t cleared quickly.

2. Burns & Scalds

Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes.

Remove tight clothing/jewellery before swelling starts.

Cover loosely with cling film or a sterile dressing (not cotton wool or creams).

3. Bleeding

Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.

Raise the injured part above heart level if possible.

If bleeding heavily, do not remove soaked bandages — add new layers on top.

4. Seizures (Febrile Fits)

Stay calm and time the seizure.

Clear the area around the child.

Do not restrain or put anything in their mouth.

When the seizure stops, place them in the recovery position and call for medical help.

5. Head Injuries

Apply a cold compress to any bump.

Watch for danger signs: vomiting, drowsiness, unequal pupils, or confusion → seek urgent care.

Never shake a child to “wake them up.”

6. CPR for Infants & Children

Infant (under 1): 30 chest compressions with 2 fingers in the centre of the chest, followed by 2 rescue breaths.

Child (1+ years): 30 compressions with one or two hands, followed by 2 rescue breaths.

Continue until help arrives.

✅ Always keep a first aid kit nearby.
✅ Know emergency numbers.
✅ Take a paediatric first aid course with Parent First Aid to practise hands-on.

www.parentfirstaid.ie

27/08/2025

If you're preparing for a child to go back to school, here's a quick guide to help make the transition smooth — emotionally, logistically, and practically:
🎒 Back-to-School Checklist (for Parents & Kids)
✅ 1. Supplies & Gear
Backpack (check for fit & comfort)
School supplies: notebooks, pencils, folders, markers, etc.
Lunchbox/water bottle
Uniforms or weather-appropriate clothes
Labels on items (especially for younger kids)
🧠 2. Mental Prep & Routines
Start school sleep schedule at least a few days early
Talk about what to expect — teachers, classmates, routines
Practice the morning routine (wake up, breakfast, dress, etc.)
Discuss feelings: excitement, nervousness — all normal
📚 3. Academics & Learning
Review last year’s material (brief refreshers)
Set up a homework station at home
Get organized with a calendar or planner
Talk about goals for the year (social, academic, personal)
🧒 4. Social Readiness
Arrange a playdate or meetup with a classmate (if possible)
Practice introductions and social confidence
Revisit basic manners and kindness
🏫 5. School Communication
Know key contacts: teachers, nurse, counselor
Download school apps or log into parent portals
Check calendar for orientation, first day, and events
Review policies: attendance, dress code, lunch, allergies
🩺 6. Health & Safety
Updated immunizations and physical exams
Pack daily medications if needed (communicate with school nurse)
Reinforce hygiene habits: handwashing, covering coughs, etc.
If your child has allergies or medical needs, submit forms
💬 Encouragement for Kids
Let them know it’s okay to be nervous — new beginnings can feel big.
Remind them they are capable, resilient, and not alone.
Celebrate the return to learning, friends, and growth.

26/08/2025

Everyone should have basis first aid knowledge.
Our 2 hour Parent First Aid classes will prepare you for a family medical emergency! Classes start again on the 9th September around Ireland and online.

View class content & book your place online via our website > https://www.parentfirstaid.ie/courses-2/

22/08/2025

Gummy vitamins are not sweets & can be toxic if a child ingests a large dose. Store all supplements out of reach & sight of children. If poisoning occurs call National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland for urgent advice on 01 809 2166