When you decided you wanted to teach children as a career, you planned out your path. You picked the right school and the right major, took all the right courses, and prepared for all the right education scenarios. But did you add medical triage to the list? Likely not. The truth is, teachers are the first line of defense when an injury occurs in the classroom.
10 Teacher Must-Have’s for Classroom First Aid
They can often address the ailment right then and there without needing to involve the school nurse or disrupt the classroom flow too much. If you weren’t prepared to become a medic, it’s time to gear up! This part of your job duties was in the fine print!
It’s not as hard as it might sound – there is no expectation that teachers should be able to perform advanced procedures under the Smart Board. But there are items you should have on hand to help students should they hurt themselves in your classroom. Here are several must-have items that you should stock in the first aid kit for your classroom cabinet:
- Adhesive bandages: Never underestimate the calming effect that a bandage has on a child. It can calm them down about the paper cut they have and return your class to order faster than you would ever believe. Be sure to keep a stock of several sizes on hand.
- Alcohol Wipes – If you can find peroxide or Witch Hazel wipes those will bring fewer tears and the bubbles are fun to look at.
- Antibiotic ointment: Helps a cut close faster.
- A flashlight: This will help you see if there is debris in a cut
- A magnifying glass: This will help you find a tiny splinter. It will also give the kids something to look at that will distract them from the pain.
- Gauze pads
- Cloth tape
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Non-latex gloves to protect yourself from bodily fluids
- Pen and paper to record the issue, how you handled it, and the student’s name for your records.
There are many other items that could be added to your repository but some situations, like assessing and medicating a fever or applying hydrocortisone cream to a wound, are better left to the school nurse. Be sure to regularly take stock of your first aid kit so that you always have these essential items available. The best practice is to take note of the day you use an item and replenish it right away.
More Teacher Life Tips & Must-Haves
As if teaching a bunch of hyper, excited, eager, and emotional students every day wasn’t enough, the potential for becoming a medic is added to the mix. While that may see like a daunting proposition, it doesn’t have to be. Having these things on hand will make unexpected bumps and bruises easier to handle. It is also prudent for teachers to maintain their rescue skills so they can act promptly if the time comes. These tools are the insurance you hope you’ll never have to use.
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