Why Is First Aid Training Important For Teachers?

Every day, teachers and support staff care for pupils’ wellbeing, and that means being ready for the unexpected. From playground scrapes to allergic reactions, knowing basic first aid can make a great difference in protecting children’s health and confidence.

Understanding the legal responsibilities for schools in the UK

Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, schools are strongly recommended to stock adequate and appropriate first aid supplies, facilities, and trained personnel to allow for immediate treatment and care for staff and pupils if they are injured or ill.

Often, schools will designate qualified first aiders and make sure that all staff receive basic first aid awareness training.

The role of teachers and support staff in emergencies

Teachers are typically the first on the scene when an incident happens. Even simple actions like staying calm, ensuring safety, and calling for trained help can prevent any further injury and potentially save lives.

How to respond to common school accidents?

Playground falls and grazes

Small cuts and scrapes are among some of the most common school injuries. For treating these injuries, it is recommended to:

• Clean the wound with water or antiseptic wipes.
• Apply a sterile dressing or plaster.
• Reassure the child, and record the incident in a school accident book.

Nosebleeds and minor cuts

For nosebleeds, it is recommended to have the child sit upright, lean slightly forward, and pinch the soft part of their nose for 10 minutes. Though it may be common thought to tilt the head back, it is strongly recommended to avoid tilting the head back, as this can cause the swallowing of blood.

Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis

With food allergies becoming more common among children, schools should always have EpiPens easily, and quickly accessible.

• Administer the device immediately if signs of anaphylaxis appear (swelling, difficulty breathing, rash).
• Call 999 and monitor the child closely until help arrives.

It is additionally important that all staff know which children have allergies and where their medication is kept. It could be helpful further to train staff with an EpiPen trainer device, which may help them to better understand using an EpiPen if a real emergency occurs.

Asthma attacks in the classroom

If a child is struggling to breathe or coughing persistently:

• Help them use their reliever inhaler (which is commonly blue).
• Encourage the child to breathe slowly and steadily.
• If there’s no improvement after 10 minutes, it is recommended to call emergency services.

Schools should store spare reliever inhalers with written parental consent.

Head injuries, bruises, bumps and concussions:

If a child bumps their head, it is recommended:

• Apply a cold compress such as an instant ice pack to reduce any swelling.
• Monitor the child for dizziness, confusion, or vomiting - these symptoms require immediate medical attention.
• Always make sure to inform parents and record the incident in a school accident book.

Burns and scalds in science or food tech lessons:

For burns it is recommended to:

• First, cool the area under running water for at least 10 minutes.
• Do not apply ice.
• Cover lightly with a sterile, burn dressing.

Essential first aid kits for schools

Common school first aid kits may contain:

• Assorted plasters and dressings
• Triangular bandages
• Sterile eye pads
• Disposable gloves
• Safety pins and antiseptic wipes
• Foil blanket
• Face shield for CPR

Where should I place first aid kits in a school?

It is recommended to place a school first aid kit in an easily accessible location, such as in classrooms, playgrounds, and staff areas. Additionally, the first aid kits should be clearly labelled and regularly restocked to replace used or expired contents.

First aid best practices for teachers:

Stay calm and reassure the child:

Children tend to take emotional cues from adults, therefore, staying calm helps the child to feel safe and trust the first aid process.

Record every incident accurately:

It is important to keep an updated accident book for all injuries, no matter how minor. It is required by law for schools and supports communication with parents.

Communicate with parents and guardians

Parents should always be informed about any incident involving their child, especially head injuries or allergic reactions, even if the injury appears to be minor. A duplicate copy accident book gives you the ability not only to inform the parent verbally, but also to have the incident details in writing.

How to handle medical emergencies before help arrives:

When to call 999 vs. School first aider response:

It is highly important to call emergency services immediately if a child:

• Loses consciousness;
• Has a severe bleeding injury;
• Shows signs of anaphylaxis or asthma distress;
• Has a suspected broken bone.

CPR Readiness and AED Use in Schools

All schools are now encouraged to have a defibrillator (AED) on site. Staff should be confident in using it if a real emergency occurs. AEDs give clear voice instructions and can be used safely by anyone, even without formal training, though training is recommended.

Training and preparedness for school staff

HSE recommendations for school first aid training:

Every school should have trained first aiders covering:

• Paediatric First Aid (EYFS settings)
• Emergency First Aid at Work
• First Aid at Work (for larger schools)

Additionally, it is recommended that training should be refreshed every three years, with annual awareness updates.

FAQs About First Aid in Schools

How many first aiders should a school have?
The amount of first aiders in your school depends on the school size and risk level, however, every school must have at least one appointed person responsible for first aid.

How often should school first aid kits be checked?
It is advised that the school first aid kits are checked once every term, and restocked immediately when items are used, or expired.

What should be in a school first aid kit?
Plasters, bandages, gloves, wipes, and sterile dressings, of which are all available at Jax First Aid.

Do schools need defibrillators (AEDs)?
All UK schools are encouraged to have AEDs accessible to staff and visitors.

Creating a Safe and Confident Learning Environment

Every teacher is a guardian of safety as well as education, and by having the right training, the right first aid supplies, and the right mindset means that when accidents happen, you are ready to respond quickly and effectively.