Today, Year 1 had a fantastic visit from Panda Paramedics, where we learned all about first aid and the important role of paramedics.
We began by learning that paramedics drive ambulances and help people who are hurt or very unwell. We also discussed that 999 should only be called in an emergency and learned about the different emergency services that may respond, including the police, firefighters, paramedics and coastguard. We found out that when calling 999, it is important to know your location, such as your home address, so help can reach you quickly.
We then explored what first aid is – helping someone or yourself in the very first instance until further help arrives. The children were reminded of the first aid skills they have previously learned, including helping someone who is choking, performing chest compressions, applying pressure to heavy bleeding and placing someone in the recovery position. We discussed how practising these skills now helps us become more confident as we grow older, while also understanding that children should always ask a trusted adult for help, such as a parent, grandparent, teacher, auntie, uncle or older sibling. We also talked about the importance of making sure we are safe before helping someone else.
The children learned how to treat different injuries:
For a grazed knee, they learned to wash their hands, clean the wound with water or an antiseptic wipe and apply a plaster.
For a deep cut, they practised applying pressure to stop the bleeding before cleaning and bandaging the wound.
They had the opportunity to practise putting on bandages, taking care not to touch the sterile dressing and wrapping the bandage securely.
We also learned how to support a broken arm using a sling and enjoyed practising putting slings on each other.
Finally, we discussed allergic reactions, recognising signs such as swollen lips, a rash and difficulty breathing. The children learned that these can be life-threatening and practised using an EpiPen trainer on the Panda Paramedics’ toy pandas.
We are incredibly proud that Year 1 achieved their Bronze First Aid Award! The children also will bring home a worksheet about calling 999 and we have been given a story to reinforce everything they learned during this exciting and valuable session.
Well done, Year 1, for your fantastic listening, enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the morning!
