In the last month alone I’ve taught children’s first aid to over 400 pupils, in schools, during summer fetes and at clubs. We’re not sure who has enjoyed it more, us or the kids!
First aid training gives them a wonderful sense of responsibility and achievement, an awareness of the world around them and let’s face it, they pick up things so much quicker than us and have the time and energy to learn.
As toddlers my kids loved playing doctors and nurses; bandaging teddy, injecting mummy and taking grandad’s blood pressure. Our Child Matters children’s first aid courses are an extension of that fun and exploration, but with the added skill and education appropriate for their age group.
Did you know most accidents happen during the summer holidays?
Whether there’s a collision on the playing field, a slip inside the paddling pool, children are very capable of reacting quickly to save a life. But, only if they have the confidence to know what to do. Teenagers can be sports referees, coaches, babysitters and instructors themselves and should have first aid skills for life that clubs don’t necessarily provide.
Get DOWN from that chair!
And it isn’t just about helping others, the younger ones learn how to stay safe themselves. How often do you shout “Get down from that chair!” when they are tiltering, arms extended to reach the sweet tin. You’ll be surprised at how much they listen to us when they don’t listen to their parents!
Flat Stan manikins and Flat Stan workshops are perfect for EYFS and Key Stages 1-4 and works well with the school curriculum. The kids take away an achievement pack, first aid book, certificate and sticker. But most importantly they take away a skill for life. They’ll learn:-
How to stay safe and avoid accidents & how to help save lives:
For older children, on our Junior First Aid training they can learn how to give CPR compressions, managing a burn, treating a casualty with anaphylaxis and much more. See the kids in action in this video.
Here’s what Georgia from Year 6 had to say when she attended a basic first aid course in June:-
“Blake Class learnt so much on Friday. Thanks to Claire, we all really enjoyed it! We learnt how to do CPR, how to deal with burns, bleeds and choking, and how to use a defibrillator.
In order to do CPR, you have to interlock your hands and press down on the chest with the palm of your hand. Next, press down twice per second and wait for the ambulance/paramedics to arrive so they can handle the situation professionally.
My favourite part was using the Epi-pens, as we each got a training one (with no needle) and jabbed it into our thighs until it clicked. It showed us what to do in an emergency when someone is having a serious allergic reaction.
We learnt the numbers to call for a medical emergency:
999- English number for serious emergencies
911- American number for serious emergencies
111- English number for non- urgent accidents
112- European number for serious emergencies (useful for if you’re on holiday)"
A staggering seven in ten adults lack the knowledge and confidence to act if someone collapsed and was unresponsive and not breathing. Come on parents, let’s create a generation of lifesavers and get your children on a first aid course!
Courses can be run in the school timetable, after school, in wrap around care, holiday clubs or at a private venue as a social event. We can tailor to your timings, number of children and schedule. To discuss how our training can benefit your setting or to book a course for the kids in your care, please CONTACT US today.
Sources for statistics: British Heart Foundation, RoSPA
