Children at schools are always up and running, whether it’s during playtime, physical activities or even lunch breaks. With this nature, they are more vulnerable to incurring minor and severe injuries, making it an obligation to have a school first aid kit handy.
A first aid kit in school serves as a valuable resource, ensuring that every child and staff is safe when an accident occurs. But here is a thing – you can just pick a first aid kit randomly and make it work for school. For effectiveness, a school first aid kit should be designed based on the accidents that are most likely to happen in school, from minor scrapes and bruises to more severe injuries.
If you are a school principal, parent, or teacher planning to buy a first-aid kit for school, you are in luck because we have all the information you need, from designing an effective first-aid kit in school to ensuring you are prepared to tackle each injury head-on. Continue reading to learn more!
School- First Aid Kit – Everything You Need to Know
The Importance of a First Aid Kit in School
Accidents are unexpected and unavoidable in schools. First aid kit supplies ensure that accidents are quickly responded to, thus preventing further complications that would arise before a trained medical professional arrives.
Furthermore, the last thing you want is to ruin your school’s reputation just because you forgot to get a school first aid kit and risked a child’s life. Also, the court won’t be easy on you. A first aid kit ensures the school meets the legal safety requirements and confirms that you are able to provide immediate relief in case of an injury.
Unique Considerations for First Aid Kits in Schools
Location Accessibility
A school first aid kit should be placed in a strategic location that is easily accessible. The principal or delegate must ensure at least 1 major first aid kit in the sick bay and at least one portable first aid kit for responding to emergencies in inaccessible areas. Other areas that must have first aid kits include classrooms, buses, and sports facilities.
Age Appropriate Supplies
Schools have children of different ages, and all have different needs. For example, a child in kindergarten may need a smaller bandage compared to a senior secondary school child. With that being said, every first aid kit supplies should cover every age.
Allergy Awareness
With kids having different allergies, it is important to consider these when stocking up supplies. For any allergic child, opt for hypoallergenic supplies to avoid potential reactions.
Teacher Training
Frankly, it doesn’t make sense to have a first aid kit when no one can use it. Teachers, staff as well and older children should be trained on how to use a first aid kit before using it on anyone else.
The Needs of Students of Different Age Groups
Let’s be honest! Some medical conditions are common in certain age groups for obvious reasons. Most children in preschool and kindergarten require supplies for minor scrapes, as these injuries are pretty common at their age.
High school children, conversely, may need adult-like first aid kit supplies as they are more likely to be involved in vigorous physical activities, which can result in severe injuries. With these diverse factors, school first aid kits should be tailored to meet the specific needs of every child in different age groups.
Potential Injuries that Can Occur in a School Environment
Minor Scrapes
With all the chasing and running that goes on while kids are playing, it’s no surprise to find some of them falling and tripping, often leading to minor injuries and cuts. Teachers should be prepared for these types of injuries during playtime.
Sprains and Strains
With many schools in Australia offering all sorts of sports, it is not unusual to find students with sprained and strained muscles during and after sports activities. Don’t get us wrong, they all wear protective attires, but some injuries are unavoidable.
Insect Bites and Stings
Most young children between 3 and 8 years are very curious. Unfortunately, this nature may drive them to explore insect-prone school areas, often resulting in insect bites and stings. If not handled swiftly, it can result in allergic reactions. Teachers can try using soothing gels to relieve the pain.
A Checklist for Essential Supplies for School First Aid Kits
Bandages and Antiseptics
Antiseptic wipes are used to clean and disinfect the wound, after which a bandage covers and protects the wound, preventing further infections.
Instant Ice Packs
Ice packs will always come to the rescue if the victim is in so much pain. The gel ice packs are used to numb and provide temporary relief. For example, when a child is stung by a bee.
Adhesive Tape
Adhesive tapes are first aid equipment used to keep the wound dressing in place. You don’t want the bandage to come off once the child resumes playing.
Other Specialized equipment
Aside from the common injuries in schools, serious injuries may occur, calling for more specialized items like defibrillators and foil blankets. Defibrillators are used during cardiac arrests, while file blankets are used in case of a fire outbreak; ideal to extinguish small fires.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance and Restocking of School First Aid Kits
With first aid kit equipment being used from time to time, it is important to delegate someone the duty of ensuring that it’s fully stocked. Missing items can pose deadly threats to the victims. Regular maintenance and restocking can make a whole difference in saving a life.
School first aid kits are crucial for every school to promote a safe and healthy learning environment. If you don’t have one already, it’s time to make a bold move to keep all children safe. But before you purchase anything, consider factors like age and the number of students to ensure you are well-armed and ready to face those injuries.
