Do Teachers Need First Aid Training?

The simple answer is – yes. Teachers are responsible for the well-being of their students, and having first aid training can certainly help fulfil this responsibility. Teachers are often the first responders in the event of any accidents that happen in the classroom or school, and first aid training will equip teachers with the skills they need to provide immediate care to the pupils who may be injured. 

Is There Any Legislation Regarding First Aid Training in Schools?

Legislation regarding first aid in schools varies from country to country. In some countries, such as the UK or USA, there is currently no specific legislation requiring teachers to have first aid training. In other countries, like Australia, teachers are required by law to have first aid training and must hold a current first aid certificate, which includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.

What About Legislation Regarding First Aid Kits in Schools?

The simple answer is, yes – it is a legal requirement for schools in the UK to have adequate first aid kits available on their premises. In fact, the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 requires all employers, including schools, to provide appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure that their employees, visitors, and students receive immediate medical attention if necessary

Also, the Department for Education’s guidance on first aid in schools suggests that all schools should have a first aid kit available, as well as a designated first aider who’s responsible for administering first aid and maintaining the first aid kit. The first aid kit should be regularly checked and replenished as and when needed. 

In addition to this, the guidance recommends that at least one member of staff at a school should hold a current first aid qualification, such as a First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at Work certificate, and that this person should be available at all times during school hours. 

What Should Be in a School First Aid Kit?

Bumps, cuts, bruises and grazes are an everyday occurance in school environments due to the active nature of children. This is why it is essential that a first aid kit should contain a range of basic supplies to treat these minor injuries. The contents of a school first aid kit will vary depending on the size of the school, but here are some basic items that should be included:

• Disposable gloves 
• Plasters in a variety of different sizes and shapes
• Eye wash
• Cleansing wipes
• Scissors 
• Thermometer
• Bandages & splints
• Antiseptic wipes or spray
• Safety pins
• Antiseptic cream
• Antihistamine cream
• Paracetamol 

Do Schools Need a Defibrillator?

The simple answer is – yes, all schools need a defibrillator because cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, including children. Defibrillators have the potential to save the lives of pupils, teachers and visitors in schools, with research studies showing that accessing these devices within 3-5 minutes of a cardiac arrest increases the chance of survival by over a whopping 40%.

It’s especially important that defibrillators are available close to sports halls and playing fields that school children and the wider community use regularly. 

Defibrillators are easy to use, and many come with voice/visual prompts to guide you through what to do. Although users don’t need to be trained to use one, it is recommended that school staff take a defibrillator training course to ensure they can use the device effectively and confidently in the event of an emergency.

The Best Defibrillator For Schools 

When comparing defibrillators for your school, there are a number of important features to consider. The first is audible and visual instructions, which are designed to help guide the user to administer lifesaving defibrillation in the event of an emergency, especially helpful if they have never used one before. For schools located in heavily bilingual areas, schools should consider investing in AEDs with dual-language capabilities. For primary schools, administrators must also invest in AEDs with pediatric functions, as younger children (up to 8 years old who weigh less than 55 pounds) are less equipped to handle the amount of electric shock administered by standard defibrillation.

So, to help you choose the best defibrillator. we have compiled a list of our top 3 AEDs suitable for schools.

The best defibrillator for schools include:

1. ZOLL® AED 3 CPR Universal Adult/Paediatric Electrode Pads

Supplied complete with batteries, accessories, carry case and electrode pads, this fully automatic ZOLL defibrillator is the ideal solution if sudden cardiac arrest occurs in adults or children. What’s more, this model can actually see when you are doing CPR and help you do it well. Featuring easy to use audio and visual prompts, this life-saving machine is ideal for educational environments. 

2. Heartsine Samaritan 350P Defibrillator Unit – Semi Automatic

Durable, affordable and highly portable, the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P (semi-automatic) is a simple to use AED, ideal for schools. Other key benefits include:

• Semi Automatic defibrillator analyses heart and requires rescuer to push shock button (if needed)
• Fixed escalating energy (150J,150J,200J adult)
• Compact and lightweight (1.1kg/2.4lbs) including Pad-Pak battery
• 90 mins of rescue data

3. ZOLL® AED Plus® Defibrillator Unit – Fully Automatic

The ZOLL AED 3 Pads – CPR universal (adult/paediatric) is a one-piece electrode with built-in Real CPR Help technology. This machine is suitable for both adult and paediatric, simply by repositioning the pads and activating the Child Mode on the ZOLL AED 3, and can be used to treat child patients 8 years of age or younger or under 25kg. What’s more, the ZOLL AED 3 can provide voice, text and real-time visual feedback to help the rescuer on proper CPR rate and depth.

For more information on first aid for your school or business, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, expert team on 01686 611 377, today.

Written by Kate, for MorSafe Supplies.