HEALTH & WELLBEING FIRST AID FOR LIFE


Growing up means acquiring a lot of new skills – from reading and writing to the arts or sport. It can feel like we are bombarding our children. However, there are important life skills that have to be acquired at the same time. Time & Leisure Junior met one local mum who is passionate about teaching first aid – and safety – to parents and children. We met Fi Ramos to understand where her passion comes from.


What about the home


environment? First aid isn’t just about responding to someone being ill – it is about being safe. A good example is the different chemicals or drugs that may be around the house. We do a practical exercise getting children to identify different substances by putting them in the ‘safe’ and ‘unsafe’ boxes. As children get older, they also tend to undertake more independent tasks such as cooking, so it is important that they learn what to do if they cut or burn themselves.


Fi teaching first aid skills to students Why are you interested


in teaching first aid? I am a trained first aid instructor, school nurse and have worked in the healthcare sector for many years. I want everyone to have the skills that can keep them safe – some would call this first aid, but it can be much broader.


at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Wimbledon


Are children interested


in first aid? It is common for schools to be nut free nowadays - so most children will be aware of allergies and anaphylaxis. School is also an environment where trips and falls can occur. Children will come across asthma, seizures as well as bumps and bleeds.


What practical exercises


Is this really for children? Many parents feel that children are too young or that the subject is too complex for them. However, parents also want to keep their children safe. So, giving them the skills will lead to them keeping themselves and their close ones safe. Children are the new generation of life savers.


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can children do? While we do not encourage younger children to try CPR, they can put someone in the recovery position. Children love pairing up and practising the recovery position on each other.


How do you find children


respond to the lessons? I have recently delivered first aid sessions for year 3 children at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Wimbledon. I was pleased to see the excitement and interaction the pupils showed during the lessons. They also go home and talk to their parents and siblings about what to do in an emergency.


Fi lives in South West London with her husband and two daughters. She is a registered nurse with


a Post Graduate Degree in Public Health Nursing. She runs a first aid training centre. You can find out more about Fi and her teaching at www.act2care.co.uk


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