Childhood Emergencies — First Aid Every WA Parent Should Know

Children explore, climb, touch, run, swallow, and bump into everything — which is why childhood injuries happen fast and often without warning.

In Western Australia, common emergencies include choking, burns, dehydration, bites, stings, asthma attacks and allergic reactions.

Here’s a clear First Aid guide every WA parent, carer and grandparent should know.

⭐ 1. Choking (Very Common in Toddlers)

Choking is silent and happens quickly.

Signs of choking:

• Unable to breathe or speak

• Silent, panicked expression

• Turning red or blue

• Weak or no cough

First Aid for infants (<1 year):

• 5 back blows

• 5 chest thrusts

• Alternate until breathing improves

• If unresponsive → call 000 and start CPR

First Aid for children:

• 5 back blows

• 5 chest thrusts

• Repeat

• Call 000 if breathing doesn’t return

Never put fingers in a child’s mouth — you may push the object deeper.

⭐ 2. Burns (BBQs, kettles, ovens, hot drinks)

Children burn easily and deeply because their skin is delicate.

First Aid:

• Cool under running water for 20 minutes

• Remove jewellery

• Do NOT use ice, butter or creams

• Cover with clean, non-stick wrap

• Seek medical attention if burn is large or blistered

⭐ 3. Fever & Febrile Convulsions

Young kids can experience seizures during sudden fevers.

If a child has a seizure:

• Stay calm

• Lay on their side

• Do NOT restrain

• Do NOT put anything in their mouth

• Time the seizure

• Call 000 if >5 minutes or first-time seizure

Afterwards, keep the child cool and monitor them.

⭐ 4. Asthma Attacks (Common in WA Kids)

WA has high asthma rates.

Signs:

• Wheezing

• Difficulty breathing

• Blue lips

• Fast breathing

First Aid:

• 4 puffs of reliever with spacer

• 4 breaths between puffs

• Wait 4 minutes

• Repeat if needed

• Call 000 if not improving

⭐ 5. Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Common triggers: nuts, eggs, dairy, insect bites.

Signs:

• Swelling of lips/face

• Difficulty breathing

• Wheezing

• Hives

• Collapse

First Aid:

• Administer EpiPen or Anapen immediately

• Call 000

• Lie the child flat

A second dose may be required after 5 minutes if no improvement.

⭐ 6. Bites & Stings (WA spiders, insects, jellyfish)

Bee/wasp stings:

• Remove sting by scraping

• Apply a cold pack

Jellyfish stings:

• Rinse with seawater

• Hot water immersion

• Call 000 if severe reaction

Spider bites (redback/tarantula):

• Cold pack

• Monitor

• Seek medical help if unwell

Snake bites:

• Use pressure immobilisation

• Call 000 immediately

⭐ 7. Dehydration & Heat Illness (Huge problem in WA summers)

Kids dehydrate quickly.

Signs:

• Dry mouth

• Dark urine

• Lethargy

• Headache

• Dizziness

First Aid:

• Offer water or electrolyte drink

• Move to shade

• Cool the skin

• If vomiting or worsening → seek medical help

⭐ Childhood First Aid Saves Lives

Parents who complete First Aid training are far more confident in emergencies.

At All Ages First Aid Training Rockingham, we teach:

• Infant CPR

• Choking for infants & children

• Burns

• Fever & seizures

• Asthma & anaphylaxis

• Drowning response

• Bites & stings

Small classes, real-life scenarios, family-friendly training.

⭐ Ready to Be Prepared for Your Kids’ Safety?

👉 Click here to book your Childcare or First Aid course

1. First Aid for Safety Bay families

2. Secret Harbour First Aid Training

3. First Aid Training in Rockingham