Foster families: first-aid and CPR standards

First Aid & CPR Switzerland

Becoming a foster family in Switzerland means offering a safe home to a child who cannot live with their parents. The preparation supported by placement organisations addresses the child's wellbeing and safety, including the ability to respond in an emergency.

The first-aid requirement

Placing a child in a foster family is subject to authorisation under the Ordinance on the Placement of Children (OPE; in German PAVO). No federal provision explicitly requires a first-aid certificate of foster families; the authorisation is granted when the personality, health and parenting ability of the foster parents provide assurance, and placement organisations offer preparatory courses.

Authorisation and supervision rest with the child and adult protection authority (KESB) and the cantons. Current first-aid and resuscitation training is in addition to that assessment and to parenting ability, and is recommended to be kept up to date.

How to meet it

A recognized, up-to-date first-aid and CPR certificate meets this requirement. It is in addition to the required training or assessment, and is renewed periodically.

See the recognized first-aid courses in your region

Training aligned with the latest emergency-care standards

Our CPR, AED and first-aid training is developed in line with the most recent international guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and first aid.

We rigorously follow the recommendations of ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation), the international body responsible for the scientific evaluation and development of global resuscitation standards. These recommendations serve as a reference for health organizations, institutions and professional orders worldwide — and are updated as scientific and clinical evidence evolves.

Keep your skills current with confidence

Every intervention can make a difference. Keeping CPR and emergency-care skills current is both a professional requirement and a responsibility toward patients, colleagues and the public.

See the recognized first-aid courses in your region

References

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