Gaining Valuable Emergency First Aid Skills from The Wright Society
This week, our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils had the exciting opportunity to take part in a series of practical emergency medicine workshops delivered by members of the Wright Society from Caterham Senior School. The Wright Society supports and inspires students with interests in medicine, healthcare, veterinary science and dentistry, making this a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to explore real-world applications of science and personal responsibility.
Hayley and Emma led the sessions, introducing pupils to the fundamentals of emergency first aid and helping them understand how they can respond safely and effectively in an emergency situation. Throughout the lessons, two key messages were consistently emphasised: always ensure your own safety first and always seek help from a trusted adult wherever possible.
Pupils began by discussing where accidents are most likely to occur, both at home and at school, before learning about the different types of injuries that may require first aid treatment. They explored the difference between plasters and dressings, learning when each should be used and gaining valuable hands-on experience in applying them correctly.
The workshops also covered the purpose and use of slings, helping pupils understand how injuries can be supported while waiting for professional medical assistance. Importantly, they learned to recognise situations where immediate medical attention is essential and when it is necessary to seek professional help.
One of the most memorable aspects of the sessions was learning the basics of CPR. Pupils were introduced to the familiar Bee Gees song Stayin’ Alive, whose rhythm provides the correct pace for chest compressions. They learned the sequence of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths and then practised these life-saving skills on training dummies in small groups. This practical experience gave everyone a much greater understanding of what might be required in a real emergency.
The children also discussed the importance of calling 999 to report an emergency, provide accurate information about a casualty and receive guidance from emergency services. The use of defibrillators and adrenaline auto-injectors was also explored, helping pupils become familiar with equipment they may encounter in public places or emergency situations.
These workshops linked closely with our science and edge curriculums, developing pupils’ understanding of the human body, health, safety and responsible citizenship. Beyond the classroom, they reinforced the importance of remaining calm, thinking clearly and acting responsibly when others may need help.
While we all hope that our pupils will never need to use these skills in a real-life situation, the confidence gained through practical experience and rehearsal is invaluable. We are extremely grateful to Hayley and Emma, and to the Caterham Senior School Wright Society, for delivering such an engaging, informative and worthwhile experience for our Year 5 and 6 pupils.
