Lesson Note on First Aid: Application of First Aid Materials for SS1

Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Refrigeration And Air Conditioning
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: First Aid: First Aid Materials and Uses.
Topic: First Aid Application of First Aid Materials
Subject Matter: Application of first aid materials, treatment steps, basic care procedures

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

• Define first aid.
• State the uses of common first aid materials.
• Explain the basic steps for applying first aid.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the importance of prompt first aid response in emergencies.
• Show care and empathy towards victims of accidents.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Identify common first aid materials.
• Demonstrate the proper application of first aid materials for simple injuries.
• Practice basic care procedures for a victim.

Social Domain:

• Collaborate with peers during practical first aid demonstrations.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary Schools.
• State Unified Scheme of Work for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (SSS 1).
• Any relevant Refrigeration and Air Conditioning textbook for Senior Secondary Schools.
• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/first-aid
• https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/first-aid-tips-and-videos

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• A complete first aid box.
• Gloves.
• Gauze.
• Antiseptic solution.
• Bandages (triangular and roller).
• Plasters.
• Charts showing first aid procedures for common injuries.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how to provide immediate care for injuries or sudden illness before medical help arrives. This knowledge is important for ensuring safety in the workshop, home, and community, potentially saving lives and preventing further harm.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils may have general knowledge of safety rules and minor injuries from their basic science lessons or personal experiences.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

First Aid and Application of First Aid Materials

Definition of First Aid

First aid is the immediate assistance given to an injured or sick person using available materials, before the arrival of a medical expert or transportation to a hospital.

Common First Aid Materials and Their Uses

The following are common first aid materials and their uses:

• Antiseptic (e.g., Dettol, Savlon): Used to clean wounds and prevent infection.
• Cotton Wool: Used for cleaning wounds or applying antiseptic.
• Gauze Swabs/Pads: Used to cover wounds to absorb blood and protect from dirt.
• Bandages (Roller and Triangular): Used to hold dressings in place, provide support, or immobilize injured parts.
• Plasters (Adhesive Bandages): Used for covering small cuts and abrasions.
• Gloves: Worn to protect the first aider from contact with blood or body fluids.
• Scissors: Used for cutting bandages, gauze, or clothing.
• Safety Pins: Used to secure bandages.
• Pain Relievers (e.g., Paracetamol): For mild pain relief (to be administered with caution).
• Thermometer: Used to measure body temperature.

General Principles of First Aid

The following are general principles to follow when giving first aid:

• Assess the Situation (DRSABCD):
  • Danger: Check for any danger to yourself, the casualty, or others.
  • Response: Check if the casualty is conscious and responsive.
  • Send for help: Call for medical assistance (e.g., 112 or emergency services).
  • Airway: Check if the airway is clear.
  • Breathing: Check if the casualty is breathing normally.
  • Circulation: Check for signs of circulation (e.g., severe bleeding).
  • Defibrillation: If trained and available (not always applicable for basic first aid).
• Maintain ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation): Ensure the person can breathe and blood is circulating.
• Prevent Further Injury: Move the person only if necessary and safe.
• Provide Comfort and Reassurance: Keep the person calm and warm.
• Do Not Give Food or Drink: Unless specifically advised by medical personnel.
• Control Bleeding: Apply direct pressure to wounds.
• Treat for Shock: Keep the person lying down, elevate legs, and cover with a blanket.

Basic Care Procedures for Victims

The following are basic care procedures for victims:

• For Cuts and Scrapes:
  • Wash hands and wear gloves.
  • Clean the wound gently with antiseptic and cotton wool.
  • Apply an antiseptic cream or spray if available.
  • Cover with a sterile gauze pad and secure with a plaster or bandage.
• For Minor Burns:
  • Cool the burn under cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes.
  • Remove any jewelry or clothing near the burn, unless it’s stuck.
  • Cover the burn loosely with sterile gauze or a clean, non-fluffy cloth.
  • Do not apply ice, butter, or creams.
• For Fractures (Suspected):
  • Do not move the injured part.
  • Support the injured limb in its current position.
  • Immobilize the limb using a splint if trained and necessary for transport.
  • Seek immediate medical help.
• For Nosebleeds:
  • Have the person sit down and lean forward slightly.
  • Pinch the soft part of the nose just above the nostrils for 10-15 minutes.
  • Breathe through the mouth.
  • Do not tilt the head back.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them about common accidents they have witnessed or experienced in the workshop, home, or school. The teacher then introduces the topic by explaining the importance of knowing what to do in such situations.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the relevance of first aid in their daily lives.

Step 2: Definition and Importance of First Aid

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines first aid and explains its general importance, emphasizing that it is immediate care given before professional medical help arrives. The teacher lists the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what first aid means and why it is important.

Step 3: Identification and Uses of First Aid Materials

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a first aid box and its contents. The teacher brings out each material (e.g., antiseptic, gauze, bandage, gloves) and explains its specific use, demonstrating how some are handled.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the materials, identify them, and listen to their uses. They may ask questions about specific items.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify common first aid materials and state their uses.

Step 4: General Principles of First Aid

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the general principles of first aid, such as checking for danger, ensuring response, sending for help, and maintaining ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). The teacher writes these principles on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and participate in a brief discussion on the importance of these principles.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the fundamental steps to take when approaching an accident victim.

Step 5: Basic Care Procedures for Victims

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates basic care procedures for common injuries like minor cuts, burns, and nosebleeds, using the first aid materials. The teacher emphasizes hygiene and safety.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations carefully and ask questions about the procedures.
Learning Point: Pupils learn practical steps for managing common injuries.

Step 6: Practical Application of First Aid Materials

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to work in pairs or small groups to practice applying bandages or dressing a simulated minor cut on a classmate’s arm, under supervision. The teacher moves around to guide and correct.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in the practical demonstration, applying the materials as instructed.
Learning Point: Pupils develop practical skills in applying first aid materials.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Define first aid.
2. Mention three common first aid materials and their uses.
3. State two general principles to consider when giving first aid.
4. Explain the basic steps for treating a minor cut.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reinforcing the importance of first aid knowledge. The teacher then assigns homework, asking pupils to list the contents of a typical home first aid kit.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to apply it outside the classroom.

Lesson Keywords

• First Aid – Immediate assistance given to an injured or sick person before medical help arrives.
• Antiseptic – A substance that stops or slows down the growth of microorganisms.
• Gauze – A thin, transparent fabric with a loose open weave, used for dressings.
• Bandage – A strip of material used to bind a wound or to protect an injured part of the body.
• Victim – A person who has been injured or hurt.
• DRSABCD – Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Defibrillation (an acronym for assessing a situation).

Differentiation

For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and focus on the identification and basic uses of the most common first aid materials. The teacher will also pair them with more capable pupils during practical activities for peer support. For advanced pupils, the teacher will encourage them to research more complex first aid scenarios (e.g., choking, severe bleeding) and present their findings to the class, or lead a small group during practical demonstrations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Practical demonstration is very important for this lesson. Ensure that actual first aid materials are available for pupils to see and handle. Emphasize safety throughout the practical sessions and remind pupils that real-life situations require calm and quick thinking. Encourage pupils to always call for adult supervision or professional medical help in real emergencies.