First Aid Training for children 2013

First Aid Training -

On February 19th twenty two of our year 5 and 6 children took part in first aid training in the hall, in order to become First Aid Monitors for 2013 at St Mary's. The training was run by Red Cross New Zealand with a tutor trained specifically to teach children of senior school age. Our trainer was Mrs Sandra Berry. The children will all receive their certificates at assembly in the coming weeks, but are now already certified at the Child's Basic Training level.

 The children received instruction and guidance from Mrs Berry in the morning and completed some organising and thinking activities, as well as some book work in their training manuals, as they went along. Mr Bach helped and assisted where and when he was able.

In order to receive their certificates the chidren needed to complete their training manuals, participate in the group activities and then perform a role play at the end to demonstrate their learning and understanding of dealing with one type of injury.
The children needed to follow the DRS ABC sequence model. Dangers - Response - Send for Help - Airways - Breathing - Circulation and also understand the specific actions needed for each particular type of injury.
The most important thing for a first aider is to not panic and get adult help as quickly as possible. The children's role is very much a support role to adults, as well as one of providing care and comfort for minor injuries.
I think poor Finn felt a bit lost being the only boy among all the girls, but Mr Bach stepped in to act as his partner for the activities. Luckily we had lots of boys trained up in November last year. We have about 45 First Aid Monitors for 2013, who will be rostered on in 3s. I am sure they will all show self management and turn up for their required duties. Evert monitor will receive a personal copy of the roster to refer to. Please encourage all children to respect and listen to the First Aid Monitors. Until an adult arrives they are in charge.
If you think your year 4 child might be interested in becoming a First Aid Monitor next year, as well as, or instead of, being a school leader, then listen out for the next training intake in Nov/Dec this year or early in 2014.