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Learning First Aid

Learning First Aid

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group participating in first aid demonstration

Purpose

The more prepared we are, the better we can serve others, especially in an emergency. Learn basic first-aid skills so you are prepared to help yourself or others in an emergency.

Description

Invite a qualified person to demonstrate basic first-aid skills. This person could show how to clean a wound, perform CPR, help someone who is choking, and so on. Practice what you learn.

As you plan this activity, please follow the counsel given in chapter 13 of Handbook 2: Administering the Church (2010) and review “Safety Recommendations for Church Activities.”​

More Ideas

  • First-aid kits—Put together first-aid kits for your home or car. Kits could include sterile gauze dressings, plasters, bandages, safety pins, sterile gloves, tweezers, adhesive tape, and so on.

  • Use what you have—Learn alternative ways to provide first aid if you don’t have the supplies you need. For example, a clean shirt could be used to cover a wound or stop bleeding. A bandana or other large cloth could be used as a sling. If first-aid tape is not available, other types of tape could be used to secure bandages or splints.

  • Emergency number list—Make a list of important emergency numbers. Discuss when you might need to call emergency services, and review the questions a dispatcher may ask. Role-play calling emergency services, giving your name and location, and calmly explaining the situation. Do not call the emergency numbers; you may interfere with emergency personnel getting help to those who really need it.

  • Mock disaster—For more experienced participants, consider holding a mock disaster, such as an earthquake or car accident. Invite members of the community to participate by pretending they are suffering from various injuries. Allow group members to practice administering first aid.

Discussion

Encourage participants to talk about what they are learning. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity. You could ask questions like the following:

  • Why do you think it is important to learn and practice first aid?

  • When have you been blessed by knowing how to administer first aid?

  • What feelings or impressions do you have about learning first aid?

  • How can you apply what you are learning in your life?

Related Resources

Sabbath Day Lesson

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