Top 5 Life-Saving First Aid Skills Every Student Should Know

Here are the top five life-saving first aid skills every student should know.

1. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

CPR is one of the most essential first aid skills. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing, performing CPR can keep oxygen circulating until medical professionals arrive.

To perform CPR:

• Check if the person is responsive. If not, call 999 immediately.
• Place both hands in the centre of their chest and push hard and fast at a rate of around 100-120 compressions per minute.
• If trained, provide rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
• Continue until emergency services arrive.

For a more detailed guide, check out our Student First Aid course, which includes CPR training.

2. Helping Someone Who Is Choking

Choking can happen suddenly and requires immediate action. Knowing how to assist someone who is choking can prevent serious injury or death.

For an adult or child who is choking:

• Encourage them to cough if they are still able to breathe.
• If they cannot cough, give five back blows between the shoulder blades.
• If this does not work, perform five abdominal thrusts.
• Repeat back blows and abdominal thrusts until the object is cleared or they become unconscious.

If the person loses consciousness, begin CPR immediately.

Learn more about choking response in our free online Student First Aid course.

3. Treating Bleeding Wounds

Accidents that cause bleeding are common in schools, playgrounds, and sports. Knowing how to manage a bleeding wound properly can prevent excessive blood loss and infection.

To treat a bleeding wound:

• Apply firm pressure using a clean cloth or bandage.
• Keep applying pressure until the bleeding stops.
• If the wound is deep, elevate the affected area if possible.
• Once bleeding is under control, clean the wound with water and apply a sterile dressing.
• If bleeding is severe, call 999 immediately.

For first aid kits suitable for schools and students, visit our store.

4. Managing Burns and Scalds

Burns and scalds can happen from hot liquids, fire, or chemicals. Quick and proper treatment can reduce the severity of the injury.

For minor burns:

• Cool the burn under running water for at least 20 minutes.
• Do not apply ice, butter, or creams.
• Cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing or clean cloth.
• If the burn is large, deep, or caused by chemicals, seek medical attention immediately.

For burn care products, explore our first aid supplies.

5. Placing Someone in the Recovery Position

If someone is unconscious but breathing, placing them in the recovery position helps keep their airway open and prevents choking.

How to put someone in the recovery position:

• Ensure they are breathing and there are no major injuries.
• Turn them onto their side with their top leg bent at the knee.
• Tilt their head back slightly to keep the airway open.
• Stay with them and call 999 if necessary.

This simple technique can be life-saving while waiting for medical help.

Why First Aid Training Is Important for Students

Learning these five skills can prepare students to handle emergencies confidently. First aid education not only teaches practical skills but also fosters a sense of responsibility and readiness to help others.

At Student First Aid, we provide free online first aid training specifically for students. Schools can also integrate professional training through ProTrainings UK courses, offering a higher level of first aid certification.

Conclusion

Knowing basic first aid can make a significant difference in emergencies. By learning CPR, choking response, bleeding control, burn treatment, and the recovery position, students gain valuable skills that can save lives.

To start learning these life-saving skills, sign up for our free Student First Aid course or explore professional training options at ProTrainings UK.