What is it?
First Aid is the practice of administering care to someone who has suffered an unexpected injury or has become ill, and while most first aid concerns patching up cuts and bruises, the most severe cases involve keeping someone alive whilst waiting for the ambulance arriving to take the patient to hospital.
What does it involve?
It can involve a wide range of treatments, but the basics of first aid involve checking for life-threatening injuries before all else, mainly focusing on the "ABC"s - airways, breathing and circulation. First aid steps include actions such as clearing the airway, chest compressions and applying pressure to wounds to stop bleeding, with the main aim to stabilise the injured party long enough for trained medical professionals to arrive and take over.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
It's a fantastic idea to get students involved in first aid. It can spark an interest in the medical field for some, but above all else it could save someone's life. First aid training isn't particularly hard, and even just an awareness of the basics could make all the difference at some point in the future.
What equipment do we need?
Tutoring students in first aid does require some fairly specialist equipment, but you should not be teaching it without a full qualification and license. Any hired tutors should bring the necessary equipment with them, but check with those involved beforehand if you are unsure.
Who is it suitable for?
First aid lessons are probably more suitable for older students, as they will have better capability to operate under pressure, but you can introduce the idea of first aid to students when they are fairly young.
Costs?
Costs of teaching first aid will depend on the level of the course and the qualifications of the tutor - it can vary from reasonably cheap to more expensive for a more detailed lesson.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
It should be impressed upon younger students learning about first aid that they should always try and find an adult if a situation arises.
How do we include?
Trained first aid instructors should be able to include everyone in their lesson regardless of disability, as it's important that you have an understand of basic medical aid no matter what your personal situtation.
Doing it abroad?
First aid is relevant wherever you are in the world! It's best to learn it in an enviroment where you are comfortable, but always pay attention to medical advice and safety procedures wherever you are as there may be more detailed instructions on other aspects when in a foreign country.
Main website:
This page has some great information about first aid courses for 6 - 11 year olds!