First Aid & CPR Training for Parents by HealthFirst

Would you know what to do if your child stopped breathing, choked, or had a seizure? Most parents haven't been trained since school, if at all.

HealthFirst runs English-language first aid and CPR courses across Switzerland, taught by working doctors, midwives and nurses, so you actually know what to do in the first few minutes of a medical emergency, before help arrives.

Why this matters

In a medical emergency, the first few minutes matter most, and often it's a parent, grandparent, or caregiver on the scene, not a paramedic. Basic CPR and first aid skills can mean the difference between a scare and a tragedy, whether it's a choking toddler, a feverish baby having a seizure, or a teen with a serious injury on the sports field. HealthFirst's courses are built around real situations parents actually face, not generic corporate training.

Courses available

Saving Little Lives: CPR and Medical Emergencies for Babies A hands-on course covering what to do in an emergency involving a newborn or baby under 1, including CPR, the recovery position, seizures, and choking. Ideal for expectant parents, new parents, grandparents, nannies and au pairs. Also available online.

First Aid for Little Ones: Training for Parents and Caregivers A four-hour course covering first aid for the accidents and sudden illnesses toddlers and young children run into most often, including head injuries, burns, and severe allergic reactions. Mixes theory with hands-on practice.

Saving Lives: CPR and Medical Emergencies for All A four-hour course for anyone caring for babies, children or adults. Covers CPR, choking first aid, and what to do for an unconscious baby, child, or adult. Ends with a HealthFirst Certificate of Attendance. A solid option for parents of older kids and teens, or for teens themselves.

Bringing Baby Home Online Consultation A 60-minute one-to-one video consultation with a US-trained paediatrician, for up to three adults. Covers newborn behaviour, safe home setup, common newborn health concerns, and Swiss newborn care norms. Best booked from 32 weeks of pregnancy.

First Aid for the Swiss Driver's Licence The mandatory Samaritan course (Nothelferkurs) required for a Swiss driving licence, taught in English. Useful to know about if you have a teen heading toward their own licence.

Who it's for

Expectant parents
parents and grandparents of babies and young children
nannies
au pairs, and
anyone responsible for a child's care
the driver's licence and general CPR courses are also relevant for teens.

Practical details

Language: All courses taught in English
Trainers: Practising doctors, midwives and nurses with hospital and clinical experience
Locations: Zürich, Zug, Basel, Bern, and Geneva, with the baby CPR course also available online
Format: In-person, hands-on practice; online option for Saving Little Lives
Certification: HealthFirst Certificate of Attendance on relevant courses