Can Children Learn First Aid? – First Aid In Schools

Thanks to the campaigning of First Aiders across the country, First Aid Training became a part of the national school's curriculum in 2020, meaning that schools must teach their pupils First Aid as part of their PHSE learning in lessons.

We spoke to our First Aid Trainer Bel, who answered some of the most important questions about teaching First Aid in Schools.

Why is First Aid in the Curriculum?

First Aid is now in the school curriculum to get as many people taught basic life-saving skills as possible.

Past British Red Cross research found that more than nine in ten adults would not be able, confident, or willing to help in three life-threatening first aid emergencies.

Giving children the knowledge and confidence to practice First Aid by learning it in school will help to change this statistic. Every child in school can learn lifesaving skills that may help themselves or others in an emergency, such as learning how to notify an adult, using an AED, or knowing how to deal with a minor cut or graze.

This learning can be delivered in a classroom by a teacher, or by an experienced first aid trainer.

What First Aid Skills can children learn?

Although children don’t participate in our First Aid at Work Courses, they can learn First Aid skills with a professional first aid trainer.

Children from the age of 4yrs old can learn some of the basic skills surrounding First Aid such as:

• How to call 999/112
• Learning how to use What3Words to find their location
• Getting the attention of an adult
• Learning what’s in a first aid kit
• How to treat a nosebleed/graze

 Older children can learn some of the more advanced skills such as:

• CPR and Defibrillator Training
• Dealing with Minor Wounds
• Tying Bandages
• Placing A Patient into the Recovery Position

How is First Aid taught in school?

First aid is taught in PHSE lessons and can be delivered by a teacher or first aid trainer. Our First Aid for schools lessons are specifically designed to be delivered to Primary and Secondary school children, so you know children are being taught skills suitable for their age range.

First Aid is a very hands-on subject, that involves a lot of practical work. First Aid Training should always be delivered by a professional who has undertaken First Aid training themselves or a licensed First Aid trainer.

Teaching children of any age should be approached in a lighthearted manner, whilst ensuring the sessions are delivered with impact so the children can take these life-saving skills and apply them in their day-to-day lives. Allow children to get hands-on with important elements of a First-Aid Kit such as bandages and plasters and allow them to practice with their friends in the classroom.

How do children learn CPR?

Teaching school children how to practice CPR/use a defibrillator (AED) must be communicated clearly and seriously with an element of practical demonstration using a First Aid mannequin. This will enable the children to be able to understand the number of chest compressions and breaths needed for CPR to work effectively.

I’m a teacher, what First Aid Course should I do?

For teachers and school staff, we can deliver our First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid Courses via our Train the Teacher courses. These courses can be held on location or in school and can be delivered in a blended or face-to-face approach.

Can a First Aid Trainer come to my school?

We’ve delivered First Aid Training in schools and nurseries across the country and would love to deliver First Aid Training to your school. If you’re interested in having us deliver First Aid for children or Train the Teacher courses, you can contact Ann.Poolton@Busybees.com, fill out our enquiry form or book your session now.