THE IMPORTANCE OF A TRAINED FIRST-AID OFFICER IN A SCHOOL

School authorities  have a responsibility to ensure that children or students in their care are safe. However, once in awhile unforeseen circumstances such as sicknesses and accidents are bound to occur. Thus, it is important for teachers to know what to do in such circumstances.

Knowing how to properly apply first aid could make a world of difference during such circumstances. First aid is any emergency care or treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be obtained.

Most schools have first aid kits and equipments but, lack the proper knowledge on how to use it.

Sickness and injuries could turn life-threatening if they are not properly handled by a trained health professional. Thus, it is important for schools to have one on-site.

Usually, it is recommended to have a school nurse to help administer first aid when the need arises but, in the absence of a school nurse, a teacher could obtain training as a first aid officer to fill this role.

There are a lot of organisations who offer training on first aid such as, the Red Cross and First Intervention in Ghana. School authorities could contact them to train teachers as first aid officers.

 This appointed person(s) will be tasked with administering all first aid to injured or sick students. Hence, he or she becomes the go-to person for medical assistance.

The advantage of having a teacher trained in first aid is that such a person will know what to do or how to react when a health problem occurs.

A Trained first aid officer will also know how to properly handle first aid kits and equipment’s better than a novice.

The importance of a trained first aid officer can, therefore, not be overlooked. The time to get trained is now, don’t wait until it is too late.