International School Manila - Where Safety Comes First

Curriculum >> International School Manila - Where Safety Comes First

In today’s world, with the growing population and increase in natural disasters, it has never been more important to know and understand how to take care of yourself and others in emergency situations. Being able to properly administer first aid is a valuable life skill for adults and children, and can be needed at a moment’s notice. At International School Manila, it is a belief that all teachers should be aware of the international standards for first aid and CPR and should be provided annual training to remain current in their skill level and understanding of the actions necessary during an emergency. Teachers, coaches and building administrators are often with groups of students both on and off campus and are the first point of contact should an emergency arise. In these situations, it is important for teachers to be prepared should anyone in their care need immediate medical assistance.

Beginning in August of 2014, International School Manila, in cooperation with the American Heart Association and the Global Training Organization, partnered to provide first aid and CPR/AED training for all faculty, administration, and necessary support staff. Training sessions are run by licensed professionals who guide participants through the modules giving them access to all the necessary equipment to properly perform the skills. Courses include international certification, and all participants who complete the training receive AHA certification cards that are recognized globally. Thus, those trained in this program are prepared and certified to perform basic life-saving skills no matter where they may be in the world. Not only does this give ISM employees peace of mind and confidence for handling emergencies, but it is also a fulfilling accomplishment that they achieve with their peers in a friendly and supportive environment. It is time and money well spent.

In January of 2015, ISM went one step further by surveying parents in the community to gauge their interest in training family members as well as household support staff. The response was overwhelmingly positive, leading the school, AHA, and GTO to create specially designed courses for parents and their children (ages 12+) to take together. In addition, course were also created to be administered in Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines, so that the drivers, nannies, and household helpers of the ISM students could also have access to the training. This training is now a part of the ISM community and it is an exciting new addition to the learning environment.

Classes range in size from 12-18 participants, are presented in a comfortable classroom setting, and are administered with trained personnel who deliver a consistent product through the use of energizing videos, hands-on practice, and guided reading materials. It is quality training, done in a timely fashion, to give the participants the skills they need to better support their friends and family should an emergency arise. ISM’s partnership with AHA and GTO this school year has been very positive and this proves to be a priority for the school for years to come.

By Sam Cook, ISM Coordinator for Student and Faculty Learning cooks@ismanila.org

AHA instructors demonstrate the heimlich maneuver for participants.

ISM student practices CPR with an AHA course instructor.