5 ESSENTIAL FIRST AID SKILLS EVERY SCHOOL MUST MASTER | WELLBEING

The rising frequency of school accidents further underscores the vital need to universalize first aid skills for all educational staff and students.

Below are the 5 most fundamental and critical first aid skills every school should prioritize, based on standard guidelines from the Ministry of Health, the American Heart Association (AHA), and Wellbeing's specialized training programs.

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

CPR is the absolute most crucial skill when a victim stops breathing or experiences sudden cardiac arrest—situations that can arise from drowning, electrocution, anaphylaxis, or sports-induced exhaustion. According to AHA guidelines, without CPR intervention within the first 4-6 minutes, the brain will suffer irreversible damage.

• How to execute:

  • First, check responsiveness by shouting and gently tapping the victim's shoulders. Check for breathing (look, listen, and feel).

  • If not breathing, open the airway (head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver), pinch the nose, and give 2 rescue breaths (about 1 second each).

  • Combine with chest compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest. Compress to a depth of 5-6 cm at a rate of 100-120 compressions/minute.

• Application: In schools, CPR is especially necessary for PE teachers, homeroom teachers, and school nurses. Many schools have integrated practical mannequin training so students (middle school and above) can also act confidently during emergencies.

2. Bandaging and Managing Open Wounds

Open wounds from falls, collisions, or sharp school supplies are the primary cause of infections in schools. Proper bandaging techniques reduce infection risks and support safe transportation to medical facilities.

• How to execute:

  • Clean the wound with clean water or physiological saline from the inside out.

  • Apply a sterile gauze pad or clean cloth, bandaging gently but firmly enough to control bleeding without cutting off circulation.

  • Crucial rule: For deep wounds or embedded objects, do not remove the object; leave it in place and bandage around it to secure it.

3. Severe Bleeding Control and Temporary Tourniquets

Heavy bleeding from falls, collisions, or cuts is a frequent accident on playgrounds or in labs. Timely bleeding control prevents hemorrhagic shock and fatalities.

• How to execute:

  • Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean bandage or cloth for at least 5-10 minutes.

  • If severe bleeding persists, apply a tourniquet 5-10 cm above the wound (towards the heart).

  • Clearly note the exact time the tourniquet was applied. (Note: Loosen every 30-60 minutes, maximum 2 hours, to prevent tissue necrosis).

• Application: Tourniquets are a last resort when direct pressure fails. A common fatal mistake is tying it too tightly or forgetting to note the time. This skill requires proper training to accurately identify major arteries.

4. Fracture Immobilization and Splinting

Bone fractures due to stair falls or sports collisions are highly common among students. Proper immobilization relieves pain, prevents further tissue damage, and limits shock.

• How to execute:

  • Keep the victim stationary; do not pull or attempt to realign the fractured bone.

  • Use a splint (wooden board, stiff cardboard, etc.) to immobilize the joints immediately above and below the fracture site.

  • Use strips of cloth to gently secure the injured limb to a healthy part of the body. Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.

• Application: Students must be taught how to recognize fracture signs (swelling, bruising, severe deformity, inability to move) to provide timely aid without exacerbating the trauma.

5. Safe Victim Transport (Casualty Evacuation)

Any error during movement can cause severe secondary injuries, especially with head, spinal, or skeletal traumas. Safe transport skills keep the victim stable and prevent life-threatening complications.

• How to execute:

  • Place unconscious (but breathing) victims in the Recovery Position to ensure a clear airway and prevent choking on vomit.

  • If a stretcher is unavailable, 2-3 people must coordinate a synchronized lift (supporting shoulders, hips, legs) to keep the victim's body strictly horizontal.

  • Crucial rule: Never sit the victim up if a head, neck, or spinal injury is suspected. Keep them flat and limit unnecessary movement.

6. Why Do Schools Need to Equip These 5 Skills?

Schools must establish at least one dedicated emergency response team of teachers and students who undergo periodic first aid training. Wellbeing's training programs emphasize combining theory with practical mannequin simulations, enabling learners to react promptly in real crises. Equipping these skills not only mitigates the aftermath of accidents but also cultivates a culture of safety and community responsibility. Furthermore, schools must maintain disciplined routines to prevent accidents at their root—avoiding excessive horseplay or dangerous games.