First Aid for Teachers: Be Ready for School Medical Emergencies
School safety has become increasingly apparent. First aid is an essential skill for teachers & support staff in schools.
With so many students in their care. Educators need to be ready to handle any unexpected medical situation. Implementing first aid safety protocols secures the protection of both students and staff.
This blog post will explain why first aid is important for school protection. Plus, we’ll see how Wihkum can help improve first aid readiness in schools.
Cost of Ignoring First Aid In Schools | Eye-Opening Stats
20% of school emergencies involve injuries needing instant first aid. Each year, about 9 million children aged 0-19 visit emergency rooms due to injuries. Another survey found that 33% of Australians witnessed a health emergency last year. But only 1 in 10 feels confident in providing first aid.
In U.S., unintentional injuries to children cost over $40 billion each year in medical expenses and lost work time. A hefty price for being unprepared.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports that 1 in 4 children suffers an injury annually, often at school. A poll found that 60% of parents worry their child’s school isn’t prepared for medical emergencies.
Schools with trained staff & first aid plans report 35% fewer injuries. But only 3 out of 10 teachers feel confident to administer first aid. Which could cause dangerous delays during emergencies. Delays in first aid increase recovery time by 50% for injuries like broken bones or severe bleeding.
Why First Aid Is Important?
The safety and protection of students depend on the preparedness of school staff. When accidents or health crises occur. Quick action can prevent further harm and save lives.
- Immediate Response: Quick first aid lowers seriousness of emergencies like allergic reactions or fractures.
- Student Safety: First aid training increases teachers’ confidence in handling various situations, ensuring students’ safety until help arrives.
- Preventing Complications: Fast action stabilizes injuries, lowering the risk of long-term problems.
- Building Trust: Trained teachers create a safe environment, reassuring parents that the school can handle emergencies.
- Legal Compliance: Schools must have a certain number of trained staff to meet safety regulations.
First Aid Safety in Schools | Are Schools Ready for Emergencies?
Creating a safe environment in schools involves being prepared for medical emergencies. Here are practical steps schools can take to ensure they are prepared for medical emergencies.
1) First Aid Training
Regular first aid training is essential for school staff. First aid for teachers helps them learn the latest techniques and guidelines for providing first aid. It is a good idea to schedule annual training sessions so that everyone stays up-to-date and confident in their skills.
Credible First Aid Training Courses
| Organization | Details | Website |
| St John Ambulance Australia | Offers a range of first aid courses specifically designed for schools and childcare providers. | stjohn.org.au |
| Australian Red Cross | Provides first aid training and certification for various settings, including schools. | redcross.org.au |
2) Stocking First Aid Kits
Schools should have first aid kits readily available in classrooms, staff rooms, & common areas. These kits should be well-stocked & checked regularly for expired or used items. Here is a list of items to include in a first aid kit.
| First Aid Kit Item | Purpose |
| Adhesive bandages | For covering small cuts and abrasions |
| Sterile gauze pads | For dressing larger wounds |
| Antiseptic wipes | For cleaning wounds before bandaging |
| Medical tape | For securing dressings |
| Disposable gloves | For protection when treating injuries |
| EpiPen | For severe allergic reactions |
| Asthma inhaler | For students with asthma |
| CPR face shield | For performing CPR safely |
Access to AEDs
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are essential for schools to have on hand. These devices can save lives during a cardiac emergency. Staff members should know where the AEDs are located and how to use them.
Create an Emergency Response Plan
An emergency response plan helps staff know what to do during different medical situations.
Develop a clear plan outlining steps for various emergencies (e.g., severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and injuries). Share the plan with all staff and practice it through drills.
Clear Emergency Response Plan
Schools need a clear emergency response plan. This plan should detail how to handle different medical emergencies. Posters and information booklets can remind staff of the correct steps to follow in common scenarios like choking, burns, or allergic reactions.
Key components of the plan include:
- Evacuation routes: Clear paths for moving students and staff to safety.
- Emergency Alert App: Use apps like Wihkum for quick access during emergencies.
- First aid officers: Staff members trained in first aid who can lead in an emergency.
Regular Training and Drills
Holding regular training sessions and emergency drills is essential. These activities help staff learn the procedures and build confidence in their skills. By practicing these situations, everyone will know what to do when an emergency happens.
Remember 4C’s of First Aid
When responding to a medical emergency, remember the 4C’s.
- Check: Assess the injured person’s condition.
- Call: Contact emergency services if needed.
- Care: Provide appropriate first aid treatment.
- Comfort: Reassure the injured person and make them comfortable.
Designated First Aid Officers
It’s important to identify staff members who are trained in first aid and name them as first responders. These individuals should be easy to recognize, maybe by wearing a badge, and they need to understand their roles during emergencies.
Here’s how many first aid officers’ schools should have based on the number of students and staff.
| Students & Staff | Number of First Aid Officers Needed |
| 1-50 | 1 |
| 51-100 | 2 |
| 101-200 | 3 |
| 201-300 | 4 |
| 301-400 | 5 |
| 401-500 | 6 |
| 501-600 | 7 |
| 601-700 | 8 |
| 701-800 | 9 |
| 801+ | 1 added officer for every additional 100 students or staff |
Current First Aid Officers Stats in Australia
In Australia, there are about 7.8 million students and 500,000 teachers in schools. But only 30% of teachers have formal first aid training. A huge gap in preparedness for school medical emergencies. 60% of Australians have never taken a first aid course. This lack of training can result in poor responses during critical situations.
By implementing these steps, schools can create a safer environment for everyone.
Basic First Aid Protocols | Medical Response In Schools
Here are some common emergencies that teachers and support staff may encounter.
| Emergency Type | First Aid Response |
| CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) | Call for help. Place hands on the centre of the chest.Push hard and fast (about 100-120 compressions per minute). Give 2 rescue breaths if trained. |
| Choking Relief | Stand behind the person. Wrap arms around their waist. Make a fist and place it just above the belly button. Push inward and upward until the object comes out. |
| Bleeding Control | Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If bleeding continues, add more cloths without removing the first. Elevate the injured limb above heart level. |
| Burn Treatment | Run cool water over the burn for at least 10 minutes. Cover with a clean, non-stick bandage. Do not apply ice or ointment. |
| Fracture Care | Keep the injured area still. Use splints or improvised supports to immobilize the fracture. Seek medical help. |
| Sprain or Strain Care | Rest the injured area. Ice the area for 15-20 minutes every hour. Compress with a bandage. Elevate the injury above heart level. |
| Nosebleed Control | Sit up straight and lean forward. Pinch the soft part of the nose. Hold for 5-10 minutes. |
| Seizure Care | Clear the area of objects. Place a soft item under their head. Time the seizure. Stay with them until they recover. |
| Heat Exhaustion Treatment | Move to a cooler place. Lie down and elevate legs. Give water if conscious. Apply cool cloths. |
| Asthma Management | Help the person sit upright and stay calm. Assist with their inhaler (if available) by shaking it, removing the cap, and having them take 1-2 puffs. Encourage deep, slow breaths. If symptoms do not improve, seek medical help. |
| Allergic Reaction Care (anaphylaxis) | Call for help.If the person has an EpiPen, help them use it.Keep them calm and sitting down.Monitor for any changes and be ready to perform CPR if needed. |
Wihkum in Action: School Medical Emergency + First Aid Support
Now, we’ll see how the Wihkum app’s custom emergency alerts help manage a serious situation at school.
The focus is on a student suffering an allergic reaction. And how staff use Wihkum app for urgent assistance & first aid.
1: An Ordinary School Day Turns Urgent
(The playground is busy with children playing. Teachers, Mrs. Smith and Mr. Cooper, are keeping watch.)
A student suddenly clutches their throat and gasps for air. Mrs. Smith notices right away and rushes over, recognizing the signs of an allergic reaction.
Mrs. Smith: “You’re having trouble breathing! Stay calm, help is coming.”
2: Wihkum Alert Sent
(Mr. Cooper takes out his phone and opens the Wihkum app without hesitation.)
Using Wihkum’s custom alert feature. Mr. Cooper taps on the ‘Medical – Allergic Reaction’ category. Instantly notifying the nearest first aid responder and the school nurse.
3: School Nurse Receives the Alert & Prepare for Rapid Response
(The school nurse, Mrs. Evans, is working in her office when her phone vibrates with an alert.)
The notification shows an ‘Allergic Reaction – Playground’ warning. She quickly grabs her medical kit and heads straight for the playground.
4: Giving Immediate First Aid
(Meanwhile, Mrs. Smith is trying to comfort the student while Mrs. Evans arrives.)
Mrs. Evans kneels beside the child. Immediately pulling out an EpiPen from her first aid kit.
Mrs. Evans: “It’s okay. I’m going to give you a shot to help you breathe better.”
She administers the EpiPen, keeping the student calm as their breathing begins to stabilize.
5: Instant Coordination with Real-Time Updates
(Back on Mr. Cooper’s phone, Wihkum has already tracked Mrs. Evans’ arrival at the scene.)
Wihkum’s real-time location tracking feature lets staff know that help is already on the way.
6: Situation Under Control, Safety Restored
(With the student’s breathing under control, Mrs. Evans continues to monitor them.)
Mrs. Evans: “You’re doing great. We’ll make sure you get further medical attention just to be safe.”
Thanks to the quick alert from Wihkum and the immediate first aid provided. The crisis is quickly handled without further complications.
7: Post-Emergency Follow-Up: Logging the Event
(Mr. Cooper receives an email from Wihkum. Documenting the incident in full detail.)
The incident is logged automatically for school records. To make certain accurate information for follow-up and reporting for future emergencies.
With Wihkum’s custom emergency alerts. Schools can handle any medical or safety emergency with quick, helpful responses.
Stay Safe with Wihkum
In a medical emergency, every second counts. Wihkum gives schools the ability to act fast, promising safety for everyone on campus. Don’t wait for a crisis to understand the importance of being prepared.
Download the Wihkum app today & be prepared for any emergency. Your safety is just a click away.