First Aid training and supplies for schools

By Rosie Clarke, Editor

To prioritise fi rst aid, schools need adequately qualifi ed attendants on site, facilitating sport and other activities, and on excursions.

Emergencies cannot be predicted, which is why schools must always be proactive and prepared. Five aims of fi rst aid:

• Preserve life

• Prevent injury from gett ing worse • Aid recovery • Relieve pain • Protect the unconscious

Some of these principles might seem like common sense; however, fi rst aid undertaken by an untrained person can put someone at further risk. Knowing when to act and what to do is critical.

Who is First Aid trained?

If all staff can perform basic fi rst aid, your school is in a stronger position. It is vital to make sure your school has an adequate number of qualifi ed fi rst aid offi cers. Training should be Health and Safety and Ministry of Education compliant, with NZQA units available as required. Training needs for schools can be complex, so consult your local fi rst aid provider, many will tailor training to accommodate your school specifi cally. First aid qualifi cations need to be completed and refreshed every two years, covering topics like asthma, fractures, diabetes, bites and stings, as well as CPR and defi brillation. Depending on the individual school and health and safety requirements, additional courses might be considered. For example, fi rst aid competencies to treat a condition that is specifi c to a particular student, or for the treatment of Anaphylaxis, for early childhood care, outdoor emergencies, or advanced emergencies. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an eff ective lifesaving technique used in many emergencies such as neardrownings. CPR requires a set of skills that can decline over time, which is why CPR refreshers are recommended every 12 months.

In addition, CPR can prolong life, but an Automated External Defi brillator (AED) is oft en the only way to restore the heart’s rhythm. AEDs should be installed in an accessible area clearly visible, well signposted, and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Proper training and supply management is critical to support positive outcomes in case of emergency

Should students be able to obtain fi rst aid qualifi cations?

Yes. First aid is a vital life skill for anyone, and many fi rst aid providers recommend basic life support skills are taught to students annually. Aft er all, when a student can confi dently recognise an emergency and act eff ectively, it is an invaluable asset to their school, the community at large, and eventually the workforce.

Many students also enjoy learning fi rst aid, with reports children (even primary school age) engage well with fi rst aid lessons and love to incrementally acquire age-appropriate lifesaving skills. It has been shown that First Aid can empower children of all ages and even pre-schoolers can be taught to provide life-saving help. For example, pre-school age children can be taught to dial 111 for help. Furthermore, fi rst aid training can teach school age children about taking responsibility for their own health and wellbeing, as well as brief them on what to do when someone else is hurt. Most importantly, students learn when and how to seek help

Sporting fi rst aid supplies

Injuries are very common during school sport activities, so it is particularly vital to have fi rst aid att endants and a fi rst aid kit kept on the sidelines. Providing staff with a quantity of fi rst aid fi eld pouch kits is an excellent idea. They are easy for staff to pick up and carry to an activity - during recess, lunch, a trip or for a sporting game. They allow fi rst aiders to give hands free treatment, importantly they save time, and allow injuries to be treated quickly and on the spot.

Trying to help might seem like common sense, but first aid undertaken by an untrained person can put someone at further risk

Who checks and stocks your fi rst aid kits?

Accurate records help schools assess stock needs for future orders. Maintaining your stock of regularly used items like adhesive strips, saline, bandages, and ice packs is crucial but schools should also review any gaps where additional items or equipment might be needed. Schools should nominate First Aid Att endants who are required to ensure the school has adequate fi rst aid supplies. These supplies can quickly deplete and are tricky to keep track of, so here are some tips to help att endants manage: • Schedule weekly supply checks into the timetable • Have a thorough content list for each kit, box, or fi rst aid pouch

• Keep an up-to-date inventory of re-fi ll stock

• Keep an incident record to account for every item used, include details of how items were used, categorising the emergency and injury

• Keep records of requests for unavailable items to identify supply needs

Importantly, make sure all your supplies and equipment are in good condition: check expiry dates, functionality, and that any sterile products are still sealed.

WE TEACH PEOPLE TO SAVE LIVES

IN A FUN & INTERACTIVE ENVIRONMENT

First Aid for the School Environment (FASE)

4-hour course held at your premises at times to suit you. This is a cost effective course designed to give teachers con dence to cope with medical emergencies and accidents at school or on suburban trips. This ts with staff development and is based on Ministry of Education guidelines.

For further information and pricing for all rst aid courses please email team@ rst-training.co.nz or call us 0800 1ST AID www. rst-training.co.nz

New Sports First Aid Kit

Innovative injury-specific concept

Features

> Injury-speci c compartments that are removable, designed to help you quickly respond to and treat injuries > A black sturdy carry bag with four drink bottle compartments and rubber feet for added protection > Clinically approved by St John.

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0800 FIRST AID (0800 347 782) rstaidkits@stjohn.org.nz