Keeping Kids Safe This Summer: First Aid for Families and Childcare Providers

Myles Haffenden
Jul 7
2 min read

As schools break up for the summer holidays, parks, beaches, and back gardens fill with the sound of children playing. It’s a joyful time—but it also comes with new risks, especially for young children. From grazed knees and insect bites to more serious emergencies like choking or heatstroke, basic first aid knowledge can make all the difference.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, nursery worker or summer camp leader, now is the perfect time to get confident with the skills that keep children safe.

Why First Aid for Children is Different

Children aren’t just small adults. They have different physiology, risk profiles, and communication needs. That’s why paediatric first aid includes specialised techniques for:

Choking and airway support
CPR for infants and children
Recognising signs of allergic reaction, asthma, and febrile seizures
Treating minor wounds and burns safely

Knowing what to do in those first few minutes before help arrives can be life-saving.

Summer-Specific Risks to Watch Out For

Summer brings unique risks for children. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

Dehydration & Heat Exhaustion: Active kids can quickly overheat. Recognising early signs like headache, tiredness, or clammy skin can help prevent serious conditions.
Outdoor Injuries: Falls from play equipment, bee stings, and cuts from outdoor play are all more likely during the summer.
Water Safety: Paddling pools and water parks are fun—but even shallow water poses a risk for drowning. Learn how to respond with CPR or recovery position if needed.
Sunburn and Heatstroke: A child’s skin is more sensitive than an adult’s, and sunburn can lead to serious complications.

Make It a Summer of Safety

At Haffenden Training Solutions, we offer Paediatric First Aid and Mini Medics courses that are ideal for:

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents and carers🏫 Nurseries and schools🏕️ Summer clubs and play schemes👦 Young people who want to learn to help others

We make our sessions engaging, inclusive, and practical—so that learners leave not just with knowledge, but with real confidence.

Empowering Young Learners: Mini Medics

We believe first aid should be taught from a young age. Our Mini Medics courses are fun, age-appropriate, and help children understand how to stay calm and take action if someone gets hurt. It’s a great addition to your summer holiday club or a meaningful family activity.