The more time kids spend outside, the more likely they will encounter tricky situations that will require first aid. Cuts, scrapes, burns, and bruises can happen, even when they are careful.
And as kids get older and begin to explore more of their surroundings, the more likely they need to learn basic first aid skills and knowledge.
In this blog, we look at some ideas and activities for your kids to learn about basic first aid.
Why Is First Aid Important For Kids To Learn?
Knowing first aid is not just for adults.
Regardless of taking every possible precaution, there are instances where your kid will suffer an injury or experience a medical emergency at some point.
It is comforting for parents to know that their children are competent, especially when taking care of themselves. Nobody can misguide them by knowing the basic survival strategies that human beings should know.
When equipped with first aid knowledge, kids are less likely to panic when faced with an emergency. They may even save the life of a loved one or friend.
Learning first aid can be fascinating for kids if we use the right. All we need to do is combine learning with day-to-day living, which sometimes presents accidental injuries and illness.
What First Aid Skills To Teach
Taking Care Of Minor Wounds
Both indoor and outdoor play for children can sometimes lead to minor wounds, such as cuts and scrapes.
Jumping off rocks, climbing trees, or running around the playground can cause these inevitable injuries. While most wounds are minor, it is a good idea to teach a child how to clean and apply bandages.
Show them how to wash and clean a wound gently, how to apply pressure to stop the bleeding, and how to apply a new bandage or gauze.
Build And Use A First Aid Kit
Another great activity for children is building their own first aid kit. Doing this will teach them the essential supplies needed in an emergency and how to use them. It also allows them to customise or add the necessary items they want in their kit.
To start, a basic first aid kit contains bandages and gauze, band-aids, alcohol, wipes, tweezers, antibiotic cream, and burn ointment. If unsure which supplies to choose, find inspiration on store-bought or readily made kits.
Treatment Of Burns
Treating burns is something worthwhile to teach younger kids. Some of the basics are the “stop, drop, and roll” once their clothes catch on fire and how to apply a clean, cool sheet to the burn site to cool the injury down.
Show them how to apply ointment and cover the wound using a dry bandage or gauze. Lastly, teach the kids when to dial triple zero (000) to call medical services for further help.
Performance Of CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a complex skill that may need to wait until your kids are past the early grades. This technique should be taught formally by a qualified training instructor.
While some are capable of understanding the theories of CPR, their body size and strength may prevent them from being able to administer this procedure effectively. Research shows that kids nine years old and above can perform this correctly with the right training.
CPR training can be tremendously empowering for children, as they are achieving real-world competency that they can use when facing emergency situations.
Get First Aid Training
Teaching the basics of first aid to your kids is a great first step towards their independence. Educating them about injury prevention, warning signs, and treatment is the key to making them feel capable and confident in whatever situation they are in.
Looking for a first aid course for you or your children? Check out First Aid Courses Darwin for more information.
