Knowledge of paediatric first aid in the general population

If accidents cannot be prevented or ameliorated by protective devices, good first aid is essential to reduce the further effects of an injury. This paper highlights deficiencies in first aid knowledge among a random selection of the general population in Edinburgh. The results of this study indicate that first aid knowledge is generally deficient, with only 13% of people able to correctly treat all paediatric emergencies described. Recognised first aid courses, such as those run by voluntary agencies, focus their training on adult injuries, adapting care for children from this. There is no specific paediatric first aid course run by a recognised authority. Recommendations to improve this are made.