First-aid training ‘is necessary’ for emergencies at schools

First-aider who is offering free training to schools believes everyone should be capable of dealing with an emergency situation.

Pupils and teachers at a school learn about emergency situations. Courtesy Aster Hospital

DUBAI // First-aid training should be compulsory for pupils and teachers, says a life support instructor.

Heat stroke and dehydration were the most common emergency occurrences during summer in Dubai schools, especially when children were playing or stayed outdoors for long periods, said Rosh Lal.

An instructor who has been offering free training to schools, Mr Lal, 30, has been teaching basic life support techniques to paramedics at Aster Hospital Mankhool for two years. “Not just among students, but also among teachers. It would not just benefit students but families, too” said Rosh Lal, a life support instructor who offers free training to schools.

“Today’s children may be very smart in using technology but they don’t have the basic knowledge to tackle emergency situations,” he said.

Mr Lal, who has been teaching basic life support to paramedics at Aster Hospital Mankhool for two years, said: “One does not have to be a medical expert to deal with an emergency situation. The right basic knowledge can control the situation until the medical support arrives.”

Other common emergency situations included hits, falls, fractures, bleeding, seizures, vomiting and diarrhoea, said Mr Lal, adding that choking was one of the most hazardous emergencies.

“Children these days don’t focus on eating properly. They are always in a hurry and take large bites and don’t chew properly,” he said. “As a result, food may get stuck in the windpipe and block their oxygen supply. The first two to three minutes are very crucial in most of the emergencies. If first aid is not provided in that time, then there is always a chance of major complications that may lead to death.”

Last month, 22 pupils from Grades 7 to 9 and three teachers at Gulf Indian School participated in a life support lesson that included a quiz.

They learnt about emergency situations that might arise at home and elsewhere. The primary goal, Mr Lal said, was to teach them to identify a situation in need of first aid.

He used a mannequin to help them understand what happens in an emergency and how to respond. The school’s principal was delighted with the result of the training and intends to see that all pupils and staff are trained

“When the hospital invited us, we didn’t realise how crucial this training would be for the students,” said Mohammed Ali, the school’s principal. “We sent a few selected students … and the result was fantastic. Hence we have decided to train all our students and staff members in basic emergency training.”

Aarti, a 14-year-old student who attended the training, said she found it useful. “By learning a few basic things for emergency situations, we can save so many lives,” she said. “I am glad I am now trained enough to help people in emergency situations,” she said. “not just in my school but also when I’m with my family. This training will benefit me and my near ones throughout our lifetime.”

A spokesman for Dubai’s education regulator said: “First aid training is not compulsory for staff. However, we expect schools to equip staff with the skills needed to handle any emergency situations.”