Why Every Teacher Needs First Aid Skills
This photo was taken yesterday while I was administering first aid to one of my students who had an accident.
One of the reasons I keep emphasizing the welfare of teachers is because the job is demanding and requires people who are truly passionate. However, beyond passion, teachers also need to be motivated.
A good teacher wears many hats. You must be a lawyer, constantly resolving conflicts between students and sometimes among colleagues. You must be compassionate, a counselor, observant, and equipped with basic first aid skills to handle minor health emergencies in school.
The other day, while teaching and walking around the classroom, I noticed one of my students sitting quietly with a sad expression. He had one hand wrapped in a handkerchief. From the look on his face, I could tell something was wrong.
“What’s wrong with you?” I asked.
“Sir, I had an accident on my way to school,” he replied.
“Is anyone aware of this?”
He said no. He had quietly come into class with the wound and said nothing. Even the bike man who brought him to school didn’t offer any help. He simply dropped him off and left. That alone was very risky.
Immediately, I wrapped up the class, took the boy to the compound master's office, only to find that he was also attending to another sick student. I had no choice but to step in. I reached for the first aid box, got the necessary items, and administered first aid.
This incident is a clear reminder of why teachers must be observant, and why every school should have a well-equipped first aid box. It can make a world of difference during emergencies like this. School owners and the government must also do more to appreciate and support teachers. Our role goes far beyond teaching. It touches every aspect of a child’s life.
Posted Using INLEO