First-Aid Kits in the Classroom
Every school has a nurse on staff, but it's still beneficial for teachers to have first-aid kits in the classroom. The kits come in handy to deal with an emergency situation while you wait for additional help to arrive. The contents of the kit should address wounds and cuts, as well as bumps and bruises.
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Contents
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At the very least, first-aid kits should have bandages of varying sizes, sterile eye pads, safety pins, antibiotic cream, one pair of disposable gloves, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes or liquid wash, cotton balls and swabs, scissors, an instant cold pack, small envelopes for teeth and a first-aid manual. Some schools have guidelines for first-aid kits, while others simply buy prepared kits and hang them in each classroom and common area.
Preparation
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Although teachers have tons of preparation work to do at the beginning of each school year, taking the time to put together a first-aid kit will pay off. Even if the school has prepackaged kits hanging up, teachers may feel that extra supplies are warranted. Bandages and cold packs are used often, so teachers might want to keep at least these items on hand.
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Emergency Care
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Schools must have a written policy for handling emergency situations, addressing everything from minor incidents that require use of a first-aid kit to large-scale disasters. One staff member, such as the school doctor or nurse or a member of the administration, should be named as coordinator of the emergency care program. At least one person in each building should have up-to-date first-aid certification and training. Teachers in high-risk classrooms, like the machine shop or chemistry lab, should also have training. Schools often hold in-service training to employees. Seattle Community College advises staff members to use the first-aid kit if they are trained and feel that immediate first aid is necessary.
Mobile Units
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Mobile first-aid kits come in handy in situations where staff rotate between classrooms or go on school outings. They also work well when administrators of day-care and preschool programs walk the hallways and visit the children. Southern Utah University's Head Start program employs the use of fanny packs that are equipped to deal with emergencies. They contain a gauze pad, alcohol wipes, bandages, antibiotic ointment, cold pack, ammonia inhalant, and a pair of gloves.
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References
- TeacherNet: Guidance on First Aid for Schools
- The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide: A Well-Stocked First-Aid Kit
- University of Nebraska --- Lincoln: Is Your School Prepared to Handle Emergency Care?; The Journal of School Health; James McKenzie; September 1989
- Southern Utah University Headstart: First Aid Checklist
- Seattle Community College: Emergency Preparedness
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
