First Aid & CPR
We believe that First Aid and CPR training are essential professional skills for everyone working with children.
A First Aid & CPR certificate should never be seen as just a job requirement. It represents the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to respond when a child needs help.
Like any professional skill, emergency response techniques should be practised and refreshed regularly to ensure you are prepared when it matters most.
The purpose of First Aid & CPR training is not to create fear – it is to build confidence, preparedness, and the ability to act calmly in an emergency.
Because if that moment ever comes, you'll be grateful you took the time to learn, practise, and refresh these life-saving skills.
Ready to join one of our upcoming courses? You can jump straight to the Pre-Registration Form by clicking here, or continue reading to learn more about our courses and training partner. Or check our events and courses here.
Because if that moment ever comes, you'll be grateful you took the time to learn, practise, and refresh these life-saving skills.
Why First Aid & CPR Matter
Children are naturally curious, active, and constantly exploring the world around them. Most days are filled with learning, play, and everyday routines. However, accidents and medical emergencies can happen, even in the safest environments.
A child can choke while eating lunch. A baby can stop breathing. A severe allergic reaction can occur without warning. A fall from playground equipment can result in a serious injury. In these situations, the first few minutes are often the most critical.
First Aid & CPR training provides far more than technical knowledge. It equips childcare professionals with the skills and confidence to recognise emergencies, assess situations calmly, make informed decisions, and take appropriate action while waiting for emergency medical services.
Regular training helps transform knowledge into confidence. By practising essential techniques and refreshing existing skills, nannies are better prepared to respond instinctively, remain calm under pressure, and focus on what matters most – the child in their care.
Beyond emergency response, First Aid & CPR training also brings confidence to everyday childcare. Recognising signs of illness or distress, responding appropriately to injuries, and managing unexpected situations all contribute to a safer environment for children and greater peace of mind for the families who place their trust in childcare professionals.
Choosing the Right Training Matters
‼️Not all First Aid & CPR courses are the same.‼️ While many providers offer excellent training, it's important to choose a course that follows recognised standards and is delivered by qualified professionals.
When selecting a course, we encourage nannies, families, and agencies to consider the following:
➡ The training follows recognised Swiss standards.
➡ The provider has appropriate credentials.
➡ The instructor has relevant medical qualifications and experience.
➡ The course includes practical, hands-on training.
➡ The content covers both infants and children.
In Switzerland, the Swiss Resuscitation Council (SRC) is the recognised authority responsible for establishing national resuscitation standards. Choosing training aligned with recognised SRC standards helps ensure participants receive accurate, evidence-based, and up-to-date instruction.
Why SNA Partners with Save a Life
At the Swiss Nanny Association, we believe every nanny should have access to high-quality First Aid & CPR training. Our goal is not simply to offer courses, but to help create a childcare sector where emergency preparedness is recognised as an essential part of professional practice.
This is why we are proud to partner with Save a Life, a foundation dedicated to promoting emergency preparedness, teaching life-saving skills, and empowering more people with the knowledge and confidence to act when it matters most. Their mission closely aligns with our own values and commitment to supporting childcare professionals.
Save a Life's courses focus on practical, hands-on learning rather than passive instruction. Through realistic scenarios and expert guidance, participants build the confidence to respond effectively to emergencies involving infants and children.
Together, we are committed to making high-quality First Aid & CPR training both professional and accessible, helping more nannies develop the skills they may one day need to protect a child's life.
Meet the Trainer
Genny Schweizer
Our trainer, Genny Schweizer, is both Canadian and Swiss.
She has been a nurse for more than 30 years and has extensive experience in home care and emergency care.
She currently works in emergency services and has spent many years teaching emergency courses for parents and caregivers.
Participants consistently praise her practical teaching style, clear explanations, and ability to create a supportive learning environment.
What Participants say:
Our 6-Hour First Aid & CPR Course
Based on feedback from our members, SNA now offers a combined First Aid and CPR course.
Rather than separating these topics, we believe childcare professionals benefit most from understanding how to respond to a wide range of emergencies.
Topics covered include:
✔️ Infant CPR
✔️ Child CPR
✔️ Choking
✔️ Unconscious child
✔️ Recovery position
✔️ Allergic reactions
✔️ Burns
✔️ Bleeding and wound care
✔️ Head injuries
✔️ Falls and playground accidents
✔️ Water-related emergencies
✔️ Emergency response and communication
The course combines theory with extensive practical exercises.
How Often Should Training Be Refreshed?
Current Swiss Resuscitation Council (SRC) and European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines recommend refreshing CPR and First Aid training every two years.
Regular refresher training helps ensure that knowledge and practical skills remain current, reinforces confidence, and allows participants to stay familiar with the latest recommendations and best practices in emergency response.
Pre-Register for Our First Aid & CPR Courses
We are currently planning our Autumn First Aid & CPR courses in Geneva and Zürich.
By pre-registering, you help us determine the number of courses, languages, locations, and dates that are needed within our community.
Pre-registration also allows us to contact you before courses are publicly announced.
By pre-registering, you will:
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Receive priority access when registration opens
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Be among the first to hear about confirmed course dates
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Help us plan courses in the right locations and languages
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Help ensure sufficient places are available
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Receive updates about future First Aid and CPR training opportunities
Fill in the form below and we will get in touch with upcoming sessions.
All courses include a certificate, which is often required when working with families.
First Aid and CPR Are Not Just for Job Searching
A situation we encounter regularly at SNA is receiving emails from nannies who have just interviewed for a position and suddenly need First Aid or CPR training.
"I have been offered a job, but the family would like me to complete a First Aid course before I start. Do you have a course next week?"
‼️Emergencies do not happen during interviews or while updating a CV!‼️
They happen during everyday moments: at mealtimes, on playgrounds, during outings, at swimming pools, or at home.
The children in our care rely on us every day, regardless of how long we have been with a family or whether we are actively looking for work.
For this reason, First Aid and CPR training should not be viewed as a qualification that is only important when seeking employment. These are practical skills that support childcare professionals throughout their careers and help ensure they are prepared to respond when a child needs assistance.
Keeping training current is ultimately about the children in our care. It is about maintaining the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills needed to respond effectively should an emergency occur.
Regular refresher training helps ensure that these skills remain fresh and that childcare professionals feel prepared to act when every minute matters.
Child Safety Is a Shared Responsibility
Keeping children safe is a responsibility shared by everyone involved in their care.
Nannies have a responsibility to maintain their First Aid and CPR skills and to ensure their training remains current.
Employers can support child safety by encouraging ongoing training and professional development, and by recognising the value of up-to-date emergency response skills.
Agencies also play an important role by verifying certifications, encouraging regular renewals, and promoting high professional standards within the childcare sector.
When nannies, families, training providers, agencies, and professional associations work together, children benefit from a safer and better-prepared childcare environment.