One day. Level 3. Emergency paediatric first aid for settings where a one-day EPFA qualification is appropriate. This course focuses on life-threatening emergencies involving infants and children, including CPR, choking, unresponsive casualties, shock, bleeding, AED awareness, anaphylaxis and febrile convulsions.
Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA) is a one-day RLSS UK Level 3 qualification covering the most critical life-threatening first aid scenarios involving infants and children. It provides a focused grounding in paediatric emergency response and may be suitable for some childcare, school and community settings where EPFA is the appropriate level of training.
EPFA may be suitable for some early years, childcare, school and community settings where an emergency paediatric first aid qualification is appropriate. Some EYFS and Ofsted-registered settings require the full two-day Paediatric First Aid (PFA) course — for example, at least one person with a current full PFA certificate must be available on premises and on outings in many early years settings. Organisations should check their statutory requirements, staff roles and first aid arrangements before booking.
On completion, candidates receive an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Emergency Paediatric First Aid qualification, suitable for many settings where EPFA is the appropriate level of training. Bluewatch Training can help explain the difference between EPFA and PFA, but each provider remains responsible for ensuring its first aid provision meets its statutory obligations. Delivered by suitably qualified Bluewatch Training instructors at your setting across Yorkshire and the East Riding.
Duration
1 day — normally 6 hours of course content, delivered in one day or split into smaller sessions where available in line with current RLSS UK requirements
Qualification
Level 3 Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RLSS UK)
Regulation
Ofqual regulated. May support Ofsted / EYFS arrangements where EPFA is appropriate for the staff role and setting.
Validity
3 years from assessment.
Delivery
At your setting or an agreed Bluewatch Training venue.
Minimum age
16 years old at time of assessment.
EPFA focuses on the life-threatening emergencies that demand an immediate, confident response — giving participants the skills to act until emergency services arrive.
CPR for infants and children — compression depth, ratio and rate, rescue breaths, and when to call for emergency help.
Using an AED in paediatric cardiac arrest — paediatric pad placement, energy settings and the sequence of CPR with defibrillation.
Emergency response to choking in infants and children — back blows, chest thrusts and the transition to CPR in a severe choking emergency.
Recognition, assessment and safe management of an unresponsive infant or child, including the paediatric recovery position.
Recognising anaphylaxis in children and infants, using adrenaline auto-injectors and managing the emergency while waiting for paramedics.
Management of febrile convulsions and seizures in young children — one of the most common paediatric emergencies encountered in childcare settings.
Paediatric first aid requirements depend on your setting, staff roles, age groups, ratios, outings and statutory responsibilities. EPFA may be suitable for some roles and settings, but EYFS and Ofsted-registered providers may require the full two-day Paediatric First Aid course for certain staff or arrangements.
Tell us about your setting and we can help you compare EPFA and the full PFA course before you book. Each provider remains responsible for ensuring its first aid provision meets its own statutory, regulatory and organisational requirements.
Ask us about EPFA vs full PFAEPFA — 1 Day
Focuses on life-threatening paediatric emergencies. May be suitable where an emergency paediatric first aid qualification is appropriate, depending on the setting, staff role and statutory requirements.
PFA — 2 Days
The fuller paediatric first aid course. Often required where EYFS or Ofsted-registered provision needs a full PFA certificate — including the requirement for at least one full PFA-trained person to be available on premises and on outings.
EPFA and PFA are both Ofqual-regulated Level 3 paediatric first aid qualifications. The key differences are coverage, duration and the situations in which each is appropriate:
EPFA — 1 Day
Focuses on life-threatening paediatric emergencies. May be suitable where the setting, staff role and statutory requirements allow an emergency paediatric first aid qualification.
PFA — 2 Days
The fuller paediatric first aid course covering a broader range of scenarios. Often required where EYFS provision or specific staff roles need a full PFA certificate, including on-premises and outings requirements.
Not sure which applies to your setting? Tell us your organisation type, age groups, staff roles and whether you are Ofsted/EYFS registered, and we can help you compare options.
Ask us which course you needImportant for childcare and early years providers
EPFA is a one-day emergency paediatric first aid qualification. It may be suitable for some staff roles and settings, but it is not automatically enough for every nursery, childcare or Ofsted / EYFS requirement. Some early years settings and staff roles require the full two-day Paediatric First Aid (PFA) qualification.
Providers remain responsible for checking their statutory requirements, staff roles, ratios, outings, insurance, internal policies and first aid arrangements before booking. Bluewatch Training can help you compare EPFA and PFA, but cannot replace your organisation’s own compliance decision.
EPFA does not replace safeguarding policies, medication policies, allergy management plans, accident reporting systems, emergency procedures or setting-specific risk assessments. Training should be selected alongside your setting’s own first aid needs, EYFS / Ofsted requirements, staff roles, ratios, outings, child age groups and internal policies.
The EPFA course is practical and classroom-based. Learners should expect:
Learners should wear comfortable clothing suitable for practical floor-based activity including CPR and recovery position practice. Learners should contact Bluewatch Training in advance if they have accessibility needs, medical considerations or concerns about taking part in practical elements. EPFA enquiries are welcome from schools, nurseries, childcare providers, sports clubs, community groups and family-facing organisations across East Yorkshire and the Yorkshire coast, including Bridlington, Filey, Scarborough and Whitby.
EPFA may be a good fit for
EPFA may not be enough where
Get in touch to arrange Emergency Paediatric First Aid training. Tell us your organisation type, age groups, staff roles, whether you are Ofsted/EYFS registered, and whether you need emergency or full paediatric first aid cover.