Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Health Education
Previous Lesson: First Aid.
Topic: FIRST AID TREATMENT
Subject Matter: Principles of first aid treatment, nature of specific emergency conditions, contents of a first aid box, uses of first aid box items, response steps during emergencies.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define first aid treatment.
- State the principles of first aid.
- Identify common emergency conditions.
- List the contents of a standard first aid box.
- Explain the uses of various items in a first aid box.
- Describe the response steps during emergencies.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of timely first aid.
- Show willingness to assist during emergencies.
- Recognize the need for proper training in first aid.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate the proper use of selected first aid items.
- Practice basic first aid response steps for common emergencies.
- Role-play scenarios requiring first aid intervention.
Social Domain:
- Collaborate with peers in first aid simulation exercises.
- Communicate effectively during emergency response practice.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Health Education (Senior Secondary).
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Health Education.
- Health Education for Senior Secondary Schools Book 1.
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/first-aid
- https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/what-is-first-aid
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- A standard first aid box with its contents (e.g., bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers).
- Posters and charts illustrating common injuries and first aid steps.
- Stretchers and blankets for demonstration.
- Whiteboard/chalkboard and markers/chalk.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand how to provide immediate care to someone who is injured or suddenly ill before professional medical help arrives. It enables them to respond effectively to common emergencies, potentially saving lives and preventing further harm in their homes, schools, and communities.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have some basic understanding of personal hygiene, safety, and general health from previous lessons.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
FIRST AID TREATMENT
Definition of First Aid
First aid is the immediate assistance given to a person who is injured or suddenly ill, before the arrival of a medical professional.
Principles of First Aid
The following are the key principles of first aid:
- Preserve Life: The primary aim is to save the life of the casualty.
- Prevent Deterioration: Stop the condition from getting worse.
- Promote Recovery: Encourage the casualty’s recovery.
- Protect the Unconscious: Ensure an unconscious person is placed in a safe position.
- Procure Medical Aid: Arrange for professional medical help.
Nature of Specific Emergency Conditions
Common emergency conditions requiring first aid include:
- Cuts and Wounds
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Burns
- Sprains and Strains
- Fainting
- Choking
- Bleeding
- Electric Shock
- Insect Bites
Contents of a First Aid Box
A standard first aid box should contain the following items:
- Antiseptic wipes or solution (e.g., Dettol, Savlon)
- Sterile gauze pads and bandages (various sizes)
- Adhesive plasters (band-aids)
- Cotton wool
- Pain relievers (e.g., Paracetamol, Ibuprofen)
- Antihistamine cream or tablets (for allergies/insect bites)
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Disposable gloves
- Thermometer
- Triangular bandages
- First aid manual
Uses of First Aid Box Items
The uses of common first aid items are:
- Antiseptics: To clean wounds and prevent infection.
- Gauze and Bandages: To cover wounds, control bleeding, and provide support.
- Plasters: To cover small cuts and abrasions.
- Pain Relievers: To manage pain and reduce fever.
- Scissors: To cut bandages or clothing.
- Tweezers: To remove splinters or small debris from wounds.
- Disposable Gloves: To protect the first aider from contamination.
Response Steps During Emergencies (DRSABCD Action Plan)
The following steps are generally followed during an emergency:
- D – Danger: Check for any dangers to yourself, the casualty, or bystanders.
- R – Response: Check if the casualty is conscious and responsive (e.g., by asking “Can you hear me?”).
- S – Send for Help: Call for emergency medical services (e.g., 112 in Nigeria, or local emergency numbers).
- A – Airway: Check if the airway is clear (e.g., open mouth, remove obstructions).
- B – Breathing: Check if the casualty is breathing normally.
- C – CPR: If not breathing, start Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
- D – Defibrillation: If available and necessary, use a defibrillator.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction/Motivation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them if they have ever witnessed someone get injured or suddenly fall ill, and what they did. The teacher then introduces the topic, explaining that knowing first aid can help in such situations.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions, sharing their experiences. They listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and understand the relevance of the lesson.
Step 2: Definition and Principles of First Aid
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines first aid and explains its core principles (Preserve Life, Prevent Deterioration, Promote Recovery, Protect the Unconscious, Procure Medical Aid). The teacher writes the definition and principles on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification. They participate in a brief discussion on the importance of each principle.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what first aid is and its guiding principles.
Step 3: Nature of Specific Emergency Conditions
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher mentions and briefly explains common emergency conditions that may require first aid, such as cuts, burns, fractures, and fainting. The teacher lists these on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and identify with some of the conditions. They copy the notes from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify various emergency conditions requiring first aid.
Step 4: Contents of a First Aid Box
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents a first aid box, opens it, and displays its contents. The teacher names each item and lists them on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the items in the first aid box, identify them, and write down the list of contents.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and list the essential items found in a first aid box.
Step 5: Uses of First Aid Box Items
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the specific use of each important item displayed from the first aid box, demonstrating where appropriate (e.g., how to apply a plaster). The teacher also lists these uses on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations and listen to the explanations. They ask questions about the uses of the items and record the information.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the function of different first aid materials.
Step 6: Response Steps During Emergencies
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the DRSABCD action plan as a systematic approach to responding to emergencies. The teacher writes these steps on the board and briefly explains each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take notes on the emergency response steps. They may ask for clarification on specific actions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn a structured approach to emergency response.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Define first aid treatment.
- State three principles of first aid.
- Mention four common emergency conditions.
- List five items found in a first aid box and state one use for each.
- Explain the DRSABCD action plan for emergency response.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of learning and practicing first aid skills. The teacher encourages pupils to seek further training.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any final questions. They reflect on the lesson’s importance.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of first aid and its practical application.
Lesson Keywords
- First Aid – Immediate care given to an injured or ill person before professional medical help arrives.
- Emergency – A serious situation requiring immediate action.
- Principles of First Aid – Guiding rules for providing first aid, such as preserving life and preventing deterioration.
- First Aid Box – A container holding essential medical supplies for basic first aid.
- DRSABCD – An acronym for Danger, Response, Send for Help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation, used as a guide for emergency response.
Differentiation
The teacher will provide additional support to struggling learners through simplified explanations and one-on-one guidance. Advanced learners will be encouraged to research more complex first aid scenarios and share their findings with the class.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Teachers should ensure they have a well-stocked and visible first aid box for demonstration. Practical demonstrations and role-playing are important to help pupils grasp the concepts effectively. Ensure a safe learning environment during practical activities.

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