10 essential first aid skills every parent should know
August 20, 2025
From exploring the world around them to being exposed to every bug under the sun at daycare or school, it’s not uncommon for kids to experience injury or illness. This is why every parent should be prepared to handle common injuries and emergencies.
While you should certainly seek help from a medical professional when necessary, knowing how to treat your child in the meantime can help to keep everyone calm and safe. Furthermore, not all injuries or illnesses require medical attention and can be treated at home.
When it comes to first aid for parents, here are 10 of the most essential skills you should know.
The dedicated team at Emergcare delivers expert-led emergency first aid training education for parents and other caregivers. With more than 20 years of experience, our training is practical and engaging to ensure you remember it when you need it most.
1. CPR
There are many reasons why an infant or child may stop breathing (such as drowning, suffocation, or a cardiac event), which is why CPR is probably the most important skill for a parent to have. Infants and children have different anatomy from adults, and this means there are important differences when performing CPR and giving rescue breaths.
While an emergency dispatcher will be able to provide instructions on how to perform CPR over the phone, already knowing how to do it can make all the difference. Consider enrolling in a baby and child CPR course to receive hands-on training.
2. Burns and scalds
One of the more serious injuries that children may sustain, burns and scalds often occur in the home. Burns are usually due to hot liquids, steam, or direct contact with hot objects, while scalds are generally caused by hot liquids like bath water or spilled drinks.
Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Remove clothing or jewellery near the area unless it’s stuck to the skin. Cover with a clean, dry cloth or a sterile, non-stick bandage. Do not use ice, creams, or home remedies. Never use ice or very cold water, and do not break blisters (as this increases the risk of infection).
Seek medical help if the burn is larger than your child’s hand, on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a major joint, if the skin looks white, charred, or blistered, or if you are unsure. Always get urgent help for babies and young children.
3. Bleeding
Minor bleeding, as with cuts and scrapes, is not uncommon in children, no matter the child safety steps you take. As a parent, you need to know how to assess and manage these injuries. Cuts can range from minor (which can be treated at home) to severe (which require medical attention).
Apply gentle pressure to the wound to stop bleeding, clean it using soap and water, and cover it with a sterile bandage. If you notice excessive bleeding, visible layers of fat or muscle, the cut is wide or long, or you’re otherwise concerned, seek medical attention quickly.
4. Choking
Choking can be truly alarming. While it’s a common hazard in babies and young children (who explore the world by putting things in their mouths), older children are not exempt. Small objects (like Legos and buttons) and rounded foods (like grapes and nuts) are all choking hazards.
If your little one is choking but can still cough effectively, encourage them to keep coughing. If the cough becomes weak or ineffective, give up to five back blows followed by up to five chest thrusts, repeating as needed until the blockage clears or medical help arrives. Never use the Heimlich manoeuvre on babies or children, as it can cause injury.
5. Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions can occur unexpectedly, even if they’ve been previously exposed, and range from mild to life-threatening. Common allergens in children include foods (like nuts and milk), insect stings, medications, and environmental factors (like pollen and animal dander).
Signs of an allergic reaction can include hives, itchiness, mild swelling, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, and wheezing. For mild reactions, an antihistamine may help. For severe reactions, use an EPIPen and seek medical help immediately.
6. Heat-related illness
Hot Australian summers can put children at risk of developing heat exhaustion or heat stroke, particularly if they’re very active and spend a lot of time outdoors. Signs of heat-related illness include muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, headaches, a fast heart rate, and confusion.
If you suspect your child has developed heat exhaustion or heat stroke, move them to a cool place (in the shade or indoors), remove extra clothing or gear, apply a damp cloth to their skin to help cool them, and encourage them to drink water or a sports drink with electrolytes for rehydration. Use a fan or cool mist spray if available, and avoid ice baths.
7. Head injuries
Falls and head bumps are common injuries among young children, especially those learning how to walk. While there’s not usually a need for extensive treatment, if they lose consciousness at all or if there’s an open wound, you should seek urgent medical attention.
For mild injuries, get your child to sit and relax for a few minutes. Place an ice pack on the bump to help reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain medication may also be beneficial. If you notice any behavioural or communication changes, seek medical attention.
8. Fever
While many parents are concerned when their child has a fever, it’s the body’s natural response to fighting off an infection. It’s important to know when to seek medical help for a fever: any temperature of 38°C or higher in babies under three months, or ongoing high fevers in older children, should be checked by a doctor.
Fevers are common with colds, flu, stomach bugs, and ear infections. Most can be managed safely at home by keeping your child comfortable—make sure they stay well hydrated, dress them in light clothing, and allow them to rest. Fever-reducing medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help, especially if the fever is causing pain or discomfort. In some cases, like ear infections, antibiotics may also be needed, so it’s important to see a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
9. Sprains and broken bones
Sprains, particularly of the ankle, are common in children due to their constant movement and active nature. Elevate the affected limb, apply ice to assist with pain and swelling, and apply a compression bandage to reduce inflammation and provide support.
Broken bones, on the other hand, will require medical attention. It can be difficult to tell whether a bone is broken or not, but if the child cannot move the area or is holding it in an odd position, it doesn’t hurt to get them checked out. The doctor will usually apply a cast until it heals.
10. Poisoning
Young children often explore by putting things in their mouths, which can put them at risk of poisoning. Everyday items like makeup, alcohol, and cleaning products can be very harmful if swallowed. If this happens, do not try to make your child vomit. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia) or 000 for urgent help.
If any of the substance is left in their mouth, encourage them to spit it out. If they’ve breathed in toxic fumes, move them straight to fresh air. Call 000 immediately if your child has trouble breathing, becomes drowsy or unconscious, or has a seizure.
Ensure that you’re prepared with family first aid training at Emergcare
The most important thing to do when faced with an injury or illness is to remain calm. This will help you to think clearly and provide your child with effective care. Have a well-stocked first aid kit in the home and car, and don’t hesitate to call emergency services (000) if you think it’s necessary.
For even more peace of mind, consider booking into one of Emergcare’s child and baby first aid or CPR courses for some hands-on training on what to do in the case of an emergency.
