Learn life-saving skills with the Baby and Child First Aid online course

Are you a new or expectant parent, caregiver, or responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children?

A joint initiative between COPE, Emergcare and Kidsafe, the Baby and Child First Aid online course (Perinatal First Aid) has been created to help you prevent or be prepared for accidents, and equip you with essential first aid skills and knowledge. It offers the same comprehensive training as our in-person Perinatal First Aid sessions through our online platform.

More than a paediatric first aid online program, this toolkit will serve you throughout your parenting journey.

Who is this Baby and Child First Aid course for?

  • New and expectant parents

  • Grandparents

  • Babysitters and caregivers

  • Those seeking professional development

Course snapshot

  • 3 modules, 21 lessons

  • 2 hours of online learning with pre-recorded video lessons, plus interactive quizzes

  • Complete this paediatric online first aid course at your own pace, from a single day to several weeks.

  • Downloadable factsheets and summary notes for each lesson.

  • Printable templates and baby and child first aid downloadable resources for quick reference in your home

  • Assessment quiz at the end of each lesson

  • Digital certificate on completion of the Baby and Child First Aid course

  • Ongoing access to all content for the life of the course, including updates

  • Developed Emergcare and COPE, Centre of Perinatal Excellence in conjunction with Kidsafe

Course cost

$170 AUD + GST.  Note: Purchase of this course entitles course access and certification for one person or one household only.  If purchasing as a household, please use your surname to register and purchase the course as this will appear on your certificate.

A group discount of 20% applies to 10 or more purchases. For group bookings, contact training@cope.org.au to arrange an invoice plus a  course code to apply at checkout.

What you’ll learn from the Baby and Child First Aid online course

In this paediatric first aid course you’ll learn how to handle everyday accidents and injuries and treat common illnesses. You’ll gain insights into recognising early warning signs, acute medical conditions, and how to administer immediate care. We’ll show you preventative strategies to ensure your child’s safety, plus how to know if your child’s symptoms are normal or if you should seek professional medical assistance.

Course modules and lessons

Module 1: Primary Survey (DRSABCD – Danger, Response, Send, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation)

Module 1 will cover the Primary Survey, a standard response to determine any life-threatening conditions a casualty may have in order of priority. Lessons in this module include:

  • Dangers

  • Response

  • Send for help

  • Airway

  • Breathing

  • CPR

  • Defibrillation

Module 2: Paediatric Medical Emergencies

Learn how to treat accidents like choking, bleeding, head injuries, fractures, burns and drowning, plus what to do if your child is diagnosed with croup, whooping cough, febrile convulsions, asthma, and other conditions. Lessons include:

  • Drowning and the recovery position

  • Choking

  • Bleeding

  • Head injuries

  • Fractures and Dislocations

  • Fevers

  • Febrile Convulsions

  • Croup

  • Asthma

  • Burns

  • Poisoning

  • Bites and Stings

  • Allergies and Anaphylaxis

Module 3: Perinatal Emotional and Mental Health

In this module we discuss common mental health conditions, including what to look out for in yourself or others. We also discuss safe and effective treatments, and where to access quality information, support and / or treatment. Lessons include:

  • Understanding perinatal mental health

  • The transition to parenthood

  • Emotional wellbeing

  • Understanding depression and anxiety

  • Community resources and support for parents

You also get access to additional learning resources including this videos:

  • Brooke’s Story – A mother’s warning about water hazards

  • How to use a spacer

  • CPR scenarios for children aged 1-8 years

  • CPR for infants aged 0-1 year

Plus recommended reading including:

  • Asthma Australia

  • Kidsafe burn/scald safety

  • Bites and Stings APP

  • ASCIA Website

  • Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia Website

Course Bonuses

Download and save or print your course Factsheet bundle including:

  • DRSABCD (Danger, Response, Send, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation) Infographic Poster

  • Kidsafe: Parents Guide to Homes

  • Kidsafe: Home Safety Checklist

  • Our Emergency Details Template

  • Drowning and Prevention

  • Button Battery/Fact Sheets/

  • Choke Checker PDF

  • Medication Tracker Magnet

  • Kidsafe: Burns Safety Checklist PDF

  • Kidsafe: Poisons Safety Checklist PDF

  • Emergcare First Aid Fact Sheet PDF

  • Emergcare First Aid Fact Sheet on Bites and Stings PDF

  • Bites and Stings PIT Technique PDF

Meet your course creators

  • Dr Nicole Highet

    PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

    Dr Nicole Highet is a perinatal mental health specialist with over 25 years’ experience, and the Founder and Director of COPE: Centre of Perinatal Excellence, Australia’s peak body in perinatal mental health. Nicole is a Doctor of Psychology, the Chair of the 2023 Clinical Practice Guideline Expert Working Committee, and co-chaired the development of Australia’s Clinical Practice Guidelines in 2011 and 2017.

  • Hendrik Gutwirth

    EMERGCARE CO-DIRECTOR

    Hendrik Gutwirth is a Co-Director of Emergcare and an Advanced Life Support Paramedic with over 14 years of clinical experience. Passionate about education, Hendrik has contributed to published research in his field, facilitated professional development workshops for his peers, and acted in both Clinical Instructor and Paramedic Educator roles. At Emergcare, Hendrik shares his extensive clinical knowledge and works collaboratively to educate and empower parents and carers across Australia.

  • Daniel Parks

    EMERGCARE CO-DIRECTOR

    Daniel Parks is a Co-Director of Emergcare and an Advanced Life Support Paramedic with over 15 years of clinical experience. With a diverse range of expertise, Daniel has also worked across Queensland and Victoria in both metropolitan and rural areas, and acting in both Clinical Instructor and Team Manager positions. At Emergcare, Daniel shares his extensive clinical knowledge and works collaboratively to educate and empower parents and carers across Australia.