First Aid for Children and Childcare Providers
Fact – first aid saves lives. First aid training in Canada is not just for adults and childcare providers but also for children. By empowering children to help in emergency situations, they grow up to be more empathetic and prepared in crisis situations. Thanks to our school initiative, Canadian-based schools can now offer the Student School First Aid Program.
Parents can also encourage safety and begin some basic first aid skills at home. This is a great way to educate children about first aid while spending quality time with the family.
Read and learn Seven First Aid Skills You Can Teach Your Child at Home.
What is the Student First Aid Program?
Designed to give students of all ages the opportunity to acquire valuable first aid skills, the Student First Aid program teaches skills that create and build responsible students who are community leaders. First aid skills help build confidence, especially in emergency situations.
Who Can Take the Student First Aid Program?
There are four levels in the program:
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- Levels 1-3 are designed for Gr. 2, Gr. 3-4 and Gr. 5-6. Each level increases the level of training and involvement for the students. With the booking of Level 1-3 training(s), FEFA will include a free 30-minute introduction to First Aid for Kindergarten/Grade 1 classes plus a First Aid Kit to keep as their gift.
- Level 4 is designed for Gr. 7 and up. By Gr. 7, FEFA encourages students to become certified in the Red Cross Emergency First Aid certification program including CPR and AED training.
Students who are in Gr. 7 and up can take a group course with their parents/friends/family.
What Do Students Learn?
Level One: Grade One students learn to identify and understand safety hazards. They also learn how to locate an adult first before calling 911. If no one can be located and the injured person is not waking up or answering, they practice calling 911. During the mock call, students develop stronger communication skills.
Level Two: The objective is to focus on all concepts learned from level 1, but also locate the First Aid Kit and AED that are in the school. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the kits and the AED device.
Level Three: The objective is to bring levels 1 and 2 concepts together; the main focus is preparing supplies or equipment required for that type of injury or emergency. In this level, students participate in common scenario activities, which help them to understand how to help and what supplies and equipment are required for the specific event presented to them.
Level Four: The objective is to promote and encourage participation in a First Aid course, CPR/AED, Emergency First Aid, Standard First Aid (12 and up) and the Stay Safe program (9 and up). The goal is to become Red Cross Certified in one of the courses listed.
What Training Should Childcare Providers Have?
Sometimes, childcare providers are faced with emergency situations and unintentional injuries. It’s important for them to be prepared even before anything happens. With the proper first aid training, childcare providers will know how to respond in an emergency situation, have the necessary supplies and be confident they can respond in a timely manner.
While certain situations in educational settings can be minor, other times they can be life-threatening. The best way to help is to be educated and prepared!
Canadian-based FEFA offers many first aid programs for adults and childcare providers, including Standard Child Care First Aid and Emergency Child Care First Aid.
To learn more about First Aid Training for Children and Childcare Providers, visit FEFA’s website.
Sources:
https://calgaryfirstaidtraining.ca/