Top 10 Most Commonly Asked First Aid Questions for Parents!

Being a parent is no small feat, and it comes as no surprise that accidents do happen, from babies to toddlers to pre-teens. But being armed with the correct knowledge and know-how can help you act confidently and calmly when they do arise. That's why we sat down with Luke from Lupe Training to quiz him about the top 10 most commonly asked first aid questions for parents!

Here’s what he had to say:

1. What are the most important first aid skills parents should know?

Luke emphasises that every parent should know how to:

Perform CPR on babies, children, and adults.
Handle choking in children of different ages.
Recognise and respond to allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.
Manage burns, cuts, and head injuries.
Identify when to call 999 versus handling the situation at home.

“These skills can make all the difference in an emergency,” Luke says. “Taking a first aid course is a great way to build confidence.”

2. How do you handle choking in babies, toddlers, and older children? Are the techniques different?

Yes, the techniques vary depending on the child’s age:

Babies (under 1 year): Place them face down on your forearm, supporting their head, and give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades. If the object doesn’t dislodge, turn them over and give up to 5 chest thrusts
Toddlers and older children: Do five back blows like with babies and if unsuccessful do 5 abdominal thrusts. Stand behind them, place your fist above their belly button, and pull inward and upward

“Always call 999 if the object doesn’t come out after trying 5 back blows and 5 abdominal/ chest thrusts ,” Luke advises.

3. What should you do if a child has a high fever or febrile seizure?

Febrile convulsions (seizures), caused by a rapid rise in temperature, can be terrifying for parents. Here’s what to do:

Stay calm and place the child on their side to prevent choking
Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth
Cool the child down by removing layers
Time the seizure—most last less than 5 minutes
Call for an ambulance

“Febrile seizures are usually harmless, but always seek medical advice ,” Luke says.

4. How can parents identify the signs of serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, and what should they do in those situations?

Signs of anaphylaxis include:

Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
A rash or hives
Dizziness or collapse

“If you suspect anaphylaxis, use an auto-injector (like an EpiPen) if available and call 999 immediately,” Luke explains. “Even if the child improves, they still need medical attention.”

5. What’s the best way to treat common injuries like cuts, burns, or head bumps at home?

Cuts: Clean the wound with water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and cover with a sterile dressing
Burns: Cool the burn under running water for at least 20 minutes, cover with cling film, and seek medical advice if severe
Head bumps: Monitor for signs of concussion (e.g., vomiting, drowsiness, or confusion). Use a cool compress to help reduce swelling, if needed. Let the child sleep (if it’s their normal nap time) but monitor the child for the next 24-48 hours. If any of the above occur, seek medical help

“For head injuries, it’s always better to be cautious,” Luke advises.

6. When should you call 999 versus handling something yourself?

Call 999 if:

The child is unconscious, not breathing, or having a seizure.
There’s severe bleeding, a suspected broken bone, or a serious burn.
You suspect anaphylaxis or poisoning.

“If you’re ever in doubt, it’s better to call for help,” Luke says.

7. What’s the proper way to perform CPR on a baby or child? How is it different from adult CPR?

Luke explains the key differences:

Babies (under 1 year): Use two fingers for chest compressions and give gentle rescue breaths. Start with 5 rescue breaths, then 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
Children (1+ years to 18 years): Use one or two hands for compressions, depending on their size. Follow the same sequence for babies
Adults: Start with 30 compressions and 2 breaths

“The main difference is that children are more likely to experience respiratory arrest, so starting with rescue breaths is crucial,” Luke adds.

8. Are there any essential first aid items parents should always have in their home or travel kit?

Luke recommends keeping:

Plasters, sterile dressings, and bandages
Antiseptic wipes
A thermometer
A CPR face shield

“Having these basics on hand can help you respond quickly,” he says.

9. How do you manage situations like swallowed objects or poisoning?

Swallowed objects: If the child is choking, follow choking protocols. If not, monitor for signs of distress (e.g., drooling, vomiting, or abdominal pain) and seek medical advice
Poisoning: Call 999 immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional

“Keep harmful substances out of reach and always read labels,” Luke advises.

10. What should I do if my child spills a hot drink on themselves?

You should always be careful and mindful with hot drinks around all children, especially around young infants and babies. But also be very cautious with hot foods, specifically instant noodles or anything that requires hot water straight from the kettle - these are very well known to have caused major burns in children.

If an instant does occur here’s what to do:

The key is to cool the burn as quickly as possible. The guidance is to cool the burn with cool running water for 20 minutes. This may take longer than 20 minutes as you may be in and out of the cool water. Once cooled remove anything not stuck to the burn and cover it with cling film.

Bonus question!

What advice would you give for staying calm and confident during an emergency involving your child?

“Practice makes permanent,” Luke says. “Take a first aid course, refresh your skills regularly, and have a plan in place. In an emergency, take a deep breath, focus on the steps, and remember that staying calm helps your child stay calm too.”

For more information or to book a first aid course, visit Lupe Training’s website or contact Luke directly via info@lupetraining.co.uk