First Aid Course: Allow Preschoolers to Play Safely

A first aid course is essential for teachers and caretakers. A preschool is a place for children to learn and explore the world. But as with any exploration, it has its dangers, especially for the young and inexperienced. Therefore, preschool teachers must be prepared for any eventuality. With an EMCARE first aid course, parents and school administrators can rest assured that their teachers will be well-trained and prepared for medical emergencies.

In this quick read, we’re going to look at an average day of a preschooler, where dangers may arise and where a first aid course, like those provided by EMCARE, can help keep children safe. In addition, EMCARE offers a variety of helpful classes to better prepare individuals for all kinds of medical emergencies.

First Aid Training In The Home Room

What could happen in the homeroom that would necessitate a teacher to be schooled in first aid? Within the homeroom, a teacher is supposed to have the most control. Yet situations may arise where a first aid course could not only be necessary but essential. Let us look at a few dangerous scenarios:

• Scenario 1: It’s a rainy morning, and all the children have just arrived at preschool. But all the wet little shoes have caused the linoleum floors to become wet and slick. The last child is just a little late and runs into the classroom, but the damp floor causes him to slip, causing a severe head injury. Luckily with the EMCARE introductory or refresher first aid course, the teacher will have been trained to handle both head and spinal injuries with care until emergency services arrive.
• Scenario 2: Stationery is a staple in any classroom. But many of these items can be dangerous. Scissors and thumbtacks are some of the most hazardous because they are sharp and can cause bleeding. One of the basics of first aid is learning to control and stop bleeding. It doesn’t matter whether the course is for beginners or more advanced students; bleeding is always considered a serious issue.
• Scenario 3: It’s story time, and the most excited student runs to the bookshelf to grab their favourite book. The bookshelf is a little wobbly and falls, breaking a finger or even an arm. EMCARE has multiple options for a first aid course that can equip teachers to manage these injuries.
  

First Aid Training In The Art room

Of all the exploring pre-schoolers do, discovering their artistic and creative abilities is one of the most exciting. However, unlike the homeroom mentioned above, the art room’s dangers are much more apparent. Therefore, the art room may require art teachers to have an even higher level of first-aid training.

Although most art supplies today are child friendly, one cannot rule out the possibility that some can be poisonous for human ingestion, including paints and glues, which are commonplace in any art room. When it comes to poison, immediate action is required. When teachers have access to a first aid course, it will allow them to take the necessary action quickly. Here is a list of some of the poisonous substances found in ordinary oil-based paints:

• Lead
• Cadmium
• Manganese
• Mercury
• Cobalt
• Chrome

EMCARE teaches participants how to handle situations where poisons or toxins have been ingested in our level two first aid course, a subject not covered in the beginner or level one course. And it is why school administration may need art teachers with higher first aid qualifications.

First Aid Training During Break

It is time for a break, and within this part of everyday school life, children, especially those of preschool age, may come into some of the most potentially harmful situations than at any other point in their day—especially when playing outside and away from the watchful eyes of those responsible. At recess, teachers and supervisors alike should be most ready to apply what they have learnt in their EMCARE first aid course.

Let us join the kids at recess and look at the two most important areas of any regular play time that may require teachers to apply their first aid knowledge:

Lunch: The swapping of lunches between curious children is an age-old tradition. Yet these trades can prove dangerous, especially if your child is allergic to certain substances. This may cause the child to go into anaphylactic shock, blocking their airways. A teacher with basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training will be able to help in this situation until professional medical assistance arrives.

Play: This is where all the fun happens, whether it be hopscotch, hide and seek, or simply running around; it is during play that preschool children will find themselves exploring the most. But open space can have some scary consequences, especially for young children, where the following injuries are commonplace:

• Broken bones
• Asthma attacks
• Open scrapes and wounds

And many other potentially life-threatening situations. These necessitate that one responsible adult has completed a level two or higher first-aid course. This will allow them to assist with more specialised scenarios, such as emergency oxygen therapy or chest pains, diabetes, epilepsy, or convulsions.

First Aid Course: Not Just Important But Legal Too

The medical safety of children is not only an essential consideration for any preschool- but a legal requirement stipulated by most governments. These legal guidelines are set out in an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) act, and educational centres, including preschools, are subject to such legislation. The OHS act covers many different topics and stipulates important parameters that any preschool must follow. These include:

• Emergency and fire procedures
• Organization of school activities
• Transport
• Consent
• Visit schools by parents

Included within emergency and fire procedures, the act will always stipulate that at least one person per x number of employees (or students) be versed in first aid. EMCARE can help in these situations too. We provide not only crucial first aid course training but also offer courses for meeting government OHS requirements.

First Aid Course: In Summary

There are so many instances in a preschooler’s day where both fun and danger are just around the corner, and it’s vital that those adults responsible for watching over them be educated in first aid. So enrol with EMCARE today; our vast selection of first aid courses will ensure that your preschool teachers are always ready for any eventuality.