Paediatric first aid course at Millie's Trust

What does the course involve and what is it like?

Steroplast Healthcare have worked closely with Millie's Trust for many years. We have seen first-hand the amazing work they do and the achievements they have made since they first started. To help us to understand further how Millie's Trust works, 2 members of staff; Janice and Paul were enrolled on their Level 3 Paediatric Course. This course is ideal for nursery and school workers, child carers and anyone working with children on a daily basis.

Paediatric first aid

This particular course was held at Millie's Trust main office in Cheadle Hulme. There are courses available all year round, and not just at the main office. They cater for people right across the UK. Children's courses and a Family first aid course is also available from Millie's Trust courses.

Level 3 Paediatric is a 12 hour (2 day) course that meets Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements. It gives individuals the knowledge and confidence to deal with any possible first aid situation. Many different sections of first aid were covered over the two days, including:

• The role of a paediatric first aider
• How to assess an emergency situation
• Dealing with an unconscious child/infant
• Choking
• Wounds and bleeds
• Dealing with shock
• Fractures and dislocations
• Head, neck and back injuries
• Eye, nose and ear conditions
• CPR and AED training
• Diabetes
• Meningitis
• Asthma
• Febrile convulsions
• Dealing with extreme heat and cold
• Electric shocks
• Burns and scalds
• Poisons, bites and stings

All facts aside, what was the course actually like?

The Millie's Trust office was a great place to take the class. It is not intimidating and has a friendly, family vibe to it - plus if you like pink, you'll LOVE IT!

Upon arrival, you're greeted with a smile and a hot drink - which always works for us. Our course leader was Barry, a retired fireman and first aider who was a friend of Joanne and Dan (Millie's Trust founders), and has been working with them for 3 years. Millie's Trust has many course leaders to enable them cover every area, including Joanne and Dan themselves.

The course doesn't take place in a classroom environment as some can. Instead we were in a pleasant room that perfectly fit the group we were in. The group consisted of 12 people (mainly nursery staff and child care workers). There were 11 ladies and Paul, but he didn't seem to have a problem with this though! The group size gave everyone the chance to take part, speak up and ask questions without being nervous.

Barry created an openness in the group which allowed people to share their stories and really get to know each other which made the two day course a lot easier. This openness really lets you see that the techniques you are learning in the classes are common occurrences in schools and nurseries.

How does the course work?

The course is taught using helpful slides with text, images and powerful videos that really bring each subject to life. There is also elements of group participation which is more fun than daunting. Assessments take place throughout the 2 days, where you put into practice items you have just learnt in pairs or small groups; such as using an AED or performing CPR on a manikin. This led to Paul being put in the recovery position and Janice in a triangular bandage!

Each daily session finishes with a multiple choice test paper on what you have learnt that day. Thanks to the teaching techniques, they really hit home with the importance of what you are learning. Videos and real-life stories help you to store the information you are given and thanks to that everyone on the course passed.

We could not place Millie's Trust first aid courses in higher esteem, they were enjoyable and highly educational. Nobody would want to put what they learn into practice, however should the scenario arise where they did, the course leaves you 100% confident in your abilities.

To find out more information about the Millie's Trust first aid courses and to book yourself a place, you can visit their website here.