In February 2022, a school bus driver in Odisha made an incredible sacrifice to save the lives of 20 students. While driving the bus he suffered severe chest pain. It was a heart attack. Tolerating the pain, he safely transported the 20 students onboard to the school and informed the management about his condition. While he was being shifted to the hospital, he breathed his last, succumbing to the pain. This inspiring story should never let us ask, “Why is First Aid training for Schools a necessity?
Apart from these serious health emergencies, some other minor injuries are a daily occurrence at schools. Children keep injuring themselves while playing, or while experimenting in labs.
Some medical emergencies that can happen at a school:
- Cut injuries & Lacerations
- Fractures & dislocation
- Choking
- Sprains & Strains
- Chest Pain, Heart Attack, or Cardiac Arrest the staff.
When there’s a student who is choking on his food, there is not enough time for the teacher or other staff to shift the student and remove the food item. In this crucial period, if proper first aid is not provided, the student can asphyxiate, suffocate, and even lose their life. Hence, the school management must promote first aid training among its staff.
Is it mandatory for a school to conduct first aid training?
Providing first aid training is a part of the CBSE Affiliation by-laws and a mandatory eligibility criterion for registering your school with Cambridge International. Even though the schools are only warming up to the idea of training their staff and students with first aid, it is the right first step in the right direction.
Screengrab from the website of Cambridge International
Even in the absence of a mandate, the schools should take up first aid training. Recent data shows that cardiac-related ailments are being seen in younger people too. The recent demise of actors Puneeth Rajkumar and Chiranjeevi Sarja is a testament to that.
What kind of First Aid training programs can be conducted?
A school can organize an expert-led, hands-on, on-site first aid training program that can be customized according to the school’s requirements.
Here’s a list of training programs conducted by VMEDO Academy
| Program | Description | Time duration | Number of participants |
| First aid Awareness program | This module is designed to understand the importance of First aid, social responsibilities during emergencies, Good Samaritan law, and basic information about First aid | Duration: 1 Hour Includes: No certificate |
Max: 100 |
| Basic First aid Training | This module helps in understanding emergencies, theoretical knowledge and demonstration about performing basic FIRST AID, CPR, and an understanding of how to recognize & respond to a range of specific injuries and illnesses. | Duration: 3 hours Includes: Certificate for participants,Organization certificate |
Min:15Max: 30 |
| Advanced First aid Training | This workshop is to provide the skill & knowledge required to assist a wide range of emergencies. This includes Emergency FIRST-AID Response, Hands-on CPR and AED, and First aid techniques for various injuries and illnesses. Bandaging techniques and lifting techniques | Duration: 6 hours Includes: Certificate for participants Learning, kit, Organization certificate |
Min: 20Max: 30 |
| First Responder | It is a comprehensive course offering advanced FIRST AID, CPR, and AED skills for those typically designated as first aid attendants and health safety managers. The course covers a variety of topics from basic to advanced, sudden medical emergencies, and injuries to the head and/or spine including workplace emergencies. Bandaging techniques and lifting techniques. Emergency incident management and record-keeping | Duration: 12 hours Includes: Certificate for participants, Learning kit, First aid kit, Responder badges, Organization certificate |
Min: 15Max: 30 |
But how can you decide if the training is provided by a verified trainer and an authorized institution? For verified certificate training programs on first aid, you can trust VMEDO.
• VMEDO Academy is an authorized satellite training center for American Heart Association (AHA) through Manipal Hospitals.
• All the trainers of VMEDO Academy are certified by AHA and/or ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) and also have valuable experience in training thousands of people.
• Through VMEDO Academy, more than 10,000 people have been upskilled with the right first aid training.
Other places where First Aid Training Programs can be organized
- Factories, especially Hazardous factories
- Schools and Colleges
- Apartments, Townships, and other residential communities.
- Any Government office
- Companies running transport businesses, where their employees are most vulnerable to accidents, etc.
- Airports, Railway Stations, Bus Stations.
- Three-star and Five-star hotels
- Banks and other financial institutions.
- Police Stations and Traffic Police stations.
What all are needed to conduct a First Aid training?
- Ample space and seating arrangement to accommodate 20+ people with proper social distance.
- A table and a chair for the trainer.
- Audio/visual support to showcase important videos and presentations.
Book a certified First Aid Training in Kochi with VMEDO Academy and ensure the safety of your family, friends, and community. Contact VMEDO at +91-7406000787 or visit https://vmedo.com for more details.
