In today’s world, equipping students with essential lifesaving skills is as crucial as academic education. These skills not only empower young individuals to handle emergencies confidently but also foster a sense of responsibility and preparedness within the community.

Schools play a pivotal role in shaping the future generation, and incorporating lifesaving skills into the curriculum can significantly enhance public health and safety. Here are seven lifesaving skills that every school should teach their students, along with their importance and relatable Real-life Examples:

1. CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: CPR is a critical skill that can save lives in the event of cardiac arrest. Immediate application of CPR can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival. Teaching CPR in schools ensures that more people in the community are equipped to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies.

Real-life Example: In a school in West Delhi, a student collapsed during a sports event. Thanks to the CPR training provided by the school, a fellow student administered CPR promptly, stabilising the victim until medical help arrived, ultimately saving the student’s life.

• First Aid for Choking: Knowing how to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre (The Heimlich manoeuvre, also known as abdominal thrusts, is an emergency procedure for treating choking. It involves applying sudden pressure to the abdomen, just above the navel, to expel a foreign object obstructing the airway. This technique is used when someone is choking and cannot breathe, speak, or cough effectively. The quick and forceful inward and upward thrusts help dislodge the blockage, allowing the person to breathe again). and other choking first aid techniques can prevent a potentially fatal obstruction of the airway. This skill is particularly crucial for helping young children and the elderly, who are more susceptible to choking hazards.

Real-life Example: During lunch at a school situated in the Ghatkopar area in Mumbai, a kindergarten student started choking on a piece of fruit. A nearby teacher, trained in first aid for choking, quickly performed the Heimlich manoeuvre, dislodging the fruit and allowing the child to breathe again.

• Basic Wound Care and Bleeding Control: Understanding how to properly clean and dress wounds, as well as control severe bleeding using techniques like applying pressure and using tourniquets, can prevent infections and reduce the risk of significant blood loss, which can be life-threatening.

Real-life Example: In a renowned school in Bengaluru, a student fell during a field trip, resulting in a deep cut. A classmate, trained in basic wound care by his father – a doctor by profession – applied pressure to control the bleeding and used a clean cloth to dress the wound, preventing infection until professional medical care was available.

• Burn Treatment: Knowing how to treat minor burns and recognising when to seek professional medical help for severe burns can alleviate pain, prevent infections, and minimise scarring. Proper burn treatment can also prevent further tissue damage.

Real-life Example: During a science experiment in a Chennai based school, a student accidentally spilled a hot liquid on their hand. Another student, trained in burn treatment, immediately cooled the burn under running water and covered it with a clean cloth, significantly reducing pain and preventing further injury.

• Recognising and Responding to Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions can escalate quickly and become life-threatening (anaphylaxis). Teaching students to recognise symptoms and respond with appropriate measures, such as administering an epinephrine auto-injector, can save lives.

Real-life Example: At a school in the Kolkata, a student with a known peanut allergy accidentally consumed a snack containing peanuts. A classmate recognised the symptoms of anaphylaxis and administered an epinephrine auto-injector, which the student carried, preventing a potentially fatal reaction until paramedics arrived.

• Water Safety and Rescue Techniques: Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death, especially among children. Teaching water safety, swimming, and basic rescue techniques, such as reaching or throwing a flotation device, can prevent drowning incidents.

Real-life Example: During a school trip to a lake near Hyderabad, a class 6 student slipped and fell into the water. Thanks to water safety training, another student used a flotation device to pull the victim to safety, preventing a possible drowning.

• Emergency Response and Communication: Knowing how to assess an emergency situation, call for help, and provide critical information to emergency responders can ensure timely and effective assistance. Teaching students to stay calm and communicate clearly in emergencies is essential for the safety of both the victim and the responder.

Real-life Example: At a school in Pune, a class 4 student witnessed a car accident near the school grounds. The student stayed calm, assessed the situation, and called emergency services, providing clear and accurate information. The prompt response facilitated by the student’s actions helped the victims receive timely medical attention.

Integrating these lifesaving skills into the school curriculum empowers students to act confidently and effectively in emergencies, potentially saving lives and promoting a culture of safety and preparedness in the community.

Author may be reached at : impactleadership@lifoholicshalini.com

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