Why Every Parent Should Do a First Aid Course

As parents, we do everything we can to keep our children safe. Yet when it comes to emergencies such as accidents or allergic reactions, many of us worry about whether we would know what to do in those critical moments.

Ana Hiniesto, founder of Dear WoMUM, a maternity school in Madrid, knows this concern well. Having spent almost a decade living in the UK before returning to the Spanish capital, she understands the unique challenges international families face when raising children away from their usual support network. Here, she makes the case for why first aid training is one of the most valuable investments any parent or caregiver can make.

And if you’re based in Madrid, Sinews Multilingual Therapy for Families are making it easy to take that first step, with a  first aid course for babies and children on 26th June 2026. 

Although I’m from Madrid, I lived in the UK for nearly ten years, so I know the expat experience well, and especially the feeling of being pregnant far from family and friends. That’s why I created Dear WoMUM: to offer maternity support through services and workshops with English-speaking midwives and paediatric nurses.

One of the biggest investments I have made in Dear WoMUM has been towards my first aid mannequins. Saving a life matters, so having the right practice with realistic equipment is essential.

As everyone knows, babies don’t talk and definitely don’t come with an instruction manual at birth, which is a shame, because as a new mum, you have hundreds of doubts and concerns during the first weeks.

Parents are responsible for keeping them alive and safe, which is why I highly recommend taking a first aid course before your baby arrives, or during those early months after giving birth.

Essential Training for Parents and Caregivers

It is so important to learn to identify certain signs that tell us when there is something to worry about, and what we can do at home in the event of an emergency.

Skin burns and head bumps are very common in the early days. We are not used to preparing a bottle at 3am and might spill boiling water on a little arm or chest. Or think about carrying a baby when you’re close to a door frame.

Would you know what signs to look for after a heavy head bump? Or what to do if there is liquid coming from their ears? Did you know that febrile seizures are usually benign in children up to four or five years old, following a high temperature over a few days? Or what to do at home in the first minutes after a skin burn?

Children are curious, adventurous, and often completely fearless. While serious emergencies are thankfully rare, knowing how to respond in those critical first moments can make all the difference.

What Does a First Aid Course for Babies and Children Cover?

At the start of every course, the first thing I ask participants is: “Why are you here? What are your main concerns?”

Almost every time, the answer is the same: they are about to start baby-led weaning and they are scared of choking. That moment when solid food enters the picture, at around six months, is when the fear becomes very real, very quickly.

But a good course should cover far more than feeding-related emergencies. Theory is important, but practice matters even more. Look for a course that uses approved infant and child mannequins under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, because the techniques vary significantly depending on the child’s age.

Even if your only option is an online course, do it. You will always come away with valuable basic knowledge. But hands-on practice is worth prioritising when you can.

First aid knowledge is recommended to be refreshed every two years, so think of it as an ongoing investment rather than a one-off lesson.

First Aid Courses in Madrid for Expat Families

Why Expat Parents Particularly Benefit from First Aid Training

For those of us raising children abroad, away from the day-to-day support of family and friends, practical knowledge like this offers something extra: peace of mind.

Knowing that you would recognise the signs, and know what to do in those first minutes, is hugely reassuring, especially when navigating parenthood without your usual support network close by.

Summer is a particularly good time to top up your skills. It is the season when we spend the most time with children, whether at home, travelling, or around swimming pools.

What Will You Learn at the Sinews First Aid Course in Madrid?

If you are based in Madrid, the upcoming course hosted by Sinews Multilingual Therapy for Families on 26th June is a great place to start.

This comprehensive three-hour workshop combines theory with practical training, and every participant practises techniques using infant and child mannequins under the direct supervision of an experienced healthcare professional.

Topics covered include:

• Choking in babies and children
• Infant and child CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
• Burns and scalds
• Febrile seizures
• Drowning emergencies
• Loss of consciousness
• Head injuries
• Cuts and severe bleeding
• Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
• Poisoning incidents

Expert-Led, Hands-On Training

To ensure a high-quality learning experience, places for each workshop are limited. Sessions are delivered by qualified healthcare professionals, including midwives, paediatric nurses, and family doctors, all with extensive experience supporting families and children.

This small-group format allows attendees to ask questions, practise skills, and receive personalised guidance throughout the training.

Bringing a notebook is recommended for anyone who would like to take notes during the session.

Certificates of attendance are also available upon request for a small additional fee (valid for two years).

Book Your Place on the First Aid Course in Madrid

If you have never attended a first aid course before, this is an excellent opportunity to gain practical, life-saving skills and feel more confident caring for the children in your life.

Whether you are expecting your first baby, preparing to start solids, caring for young children, or working with families professionally, this course offers practical knowledge that could one day help save a child’s life.

Places are limited and early booking is recommended.

About Sinews Multilingual Therapy for Families

Sinews Multilingual Therapy has established itself as a trusted provider of psychological, educational, and family support services in Madrid.

Their multidisciplinary team includes child and adolescent psychologists, psychiatrists, speech therapists, neuropsychologists, and family counsellors, offering services in more than 12 languages. They also provide psychoeducational assessments, autism evaluations, ADHD and dyslexia assessments, and ongoing therapeutic support for children, adolescents, and adults.

Through partnerships with trusted professionals and organisations, Sinews helps families access practical resources that support wellbeing, development, and everyday family life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this first aid course for?

The course is suitable for parents, expectant parents, grandparents, nannies, babysitters, teachers, childcare professionals, and anyone responsible for the care of babies and children.

Do I need any medical knowledge to attend?

No. The workshop is designed specifically for people without a healthcare background and uses clear, accessible language.

Will I practise CPR?

Yes. Participants receive hands-on training using infant and child mannequins and practise techniques under professional supervision.

How long does the course last?

The course runs for approximately three hours and combines practical exercises with essential theory.

What emergencies are covered?

Topics include choking, CPR, burns, febrile seizures, drowning, head injuries, severe bleeding, allergic reactions, poisoning, and loss of consciousness.

Is a certificate available?

Yes. A certificate of attendance can be issued upon request for a small additional fee. The certification is valid for two years. Most experts recommend updating first aid training every two years to maintain confidence and stay up to date with current guidelines.

Why should parents take a first aid course?

First aid training helps parents and caregivers recognise emergencies, respond appropriately, and provide immediate assistance while waiting for professional medical help. It can also provide valuable peace of mind and confidence.

How can I book the course?

For course details, availability, and booking information, visit the Sinews First Aid Course for Babies and Children page.

Read more articles about parenting on the MumAbroad blog