First Aid Basics

Overview

In this 60-minute lesson, Year 1 students will learn simple, practical first aid techniques suitable for outdoor settings. They will engage in hands-on activities, role-play, and demonstrations to understand how to help someone who is hurt or sick. This lesson is designed for a small class of two students, allowing for personalised guidance and ample practice time.

Curriculum Links

The lesson aligns with the NSW Curriculum for Year 1 in Humanities and Social Sciences with a focus on personal and community history and wellbeing. It addresses the learning objective for students to understand how they and others can care for themselves and others in everyday situations. It also connects to the Health and Physical Education syllabus regarding safety and personal wellbeing.

Specific Learning Objectives from NSW Curriculum:

Students identify and describe actions that promote personal safety and care for others.
Students communicate their ideas and follow instructions to perform safe practices.
Students use simple narratives and enact activities that show understanding of safety procedures.
Develop questions, collect and record information from observations and provided sources about personal and community wellbeing.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

Recognise and name basic first aid equipment and their uses.
Demonstrate simple first aid techniques such as cleaning a small cut, applying a plaster, and helping someone who feels faint.
Understand the importance of asking for help from trusted adults.
Participate in practical role-plays demonstrating these skills.

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

Begin with a friendly chat about safety: “What do you do if you get a small cut or if someone falls down?”
Show a selection of basic first aid items (plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, ice pack) in a “first aid kit” box.
Discuss the names and purpose of each item in simple terms.
Explain that today, they will learn how to help someone safely when outdoors.

2. Story and Demonstration (10 minutes)

Tell a short story about a child playing outside who has a small scrape or feels dizzy.
Demonstrate how to carefully clean a small cut using a wet wipe, how to apply a plaster, and what to do if someone feels dizzy (sit them down, get help).
Use clear, simple language and encourage the two students to ask questions.

3. Hands-On Practice (20 minutes)

Provide each student with a first aid kit set (or a pretend one if resources limited).
Guide them through cleaning a small wound on a doll or teddy bear using a wet wipe and applying a plaster.
Practice with scenarios: one student pretends to feel dizzy; the other helps them sit down and calls for help.
Encourage careful movements and verbalising what they are doing for safety.

4. Role-Playing Game (15 minutes)

Set up a short "outdoor adventure" scenario (e.g., picnic in the park).
Present simple ‘accident’ situations (paper cuts, bumping head).
Students role-play helping each other using the first aid skills they practiced.
Provide positive feedback and model correct techniques.

5. Reflection and Discussion (5 minutes)

Sit together and talk about what they learned.
Ask questions: “What would you do if you see someone hurt?” “Why is it important to ask an adult for help?”
Summarise key points: stay calm, be gentle, use first aid items if needed, get help.

Assessment

Observation of the students during the practical and role-play activities to check their understanding and safe handling of first aid techniques.
Informal questioning during reflection to assess knowledge of procedures and when to seek help.
Checklist for teacher: Can the student name first aid items? Can the student demonstrate cleaning and dressing a small cut? Can the student describe what to do if someone feels faint?

Resources Required

Basic first aid kit contents (real or pretend): plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages, small ice pack.
Dolls or teddy bears for practice.
Story script prepared by teacher for demonstration.
Space to role-play safely.

Differentiation

For students needing more support, demonstrate and guide skills step-by-step with frequent checking for understanding.
For more confident students, introduce slightly varied scenarios or ask them to explain their actions during role-play.
Use visual aids such as pictures of first aid steps for students who respond well to visuals.

Safety Considerations

Use only clean, safe materials (e.g., antiseptic wipes, hypoallergenic plasters).
Reinforce hygiene by washing hands before and after activities.
Supervise closely during practical exercises to ensure safety.

This carefully scaffolded lesson ensures young learners gain confidence and practical knowledge about basic first aid aligned to NSW Stage 1 outcomes in Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Education, supporting their understanding of caring for self and others in everyday and outdoor contexts.

Teaching Instructions