Give your school the confidence to respond when a child needs help.
From the classroom and playground to the sports field, school staff are often the first to respond when a child is injured or becomes ill.
St John first aid training gives teachers and support staff the practical skills to recognise an emergency, provide appropriate first aid and care for a child until further medical help is available.
A school day brings plenty of bumps, falls and grazes. It can also bring more serious situations that need an immediate and confident response.
A child may choke during break, suffer an injury on the sports field, have an allergic reaction or become suddenly unwell in class. When that happens, a teacher, coach or member of the support team is often the closest adult.
First aid training gives your staff the knowledge and practical skills to assess what has happened, take the right first steps and know when further medical assistance is needed.
St John has been teaching first aid in South Africa since 1883. We provide practical training that helps schools build a safer, better-prepared environment for the children in their care.
First aid training prepares staff to respond to a wide range of injuries and medical emergencies that can happen during an ordinary school day.
- Choking
- Collapse and CPR
- Bleeding and wounds
- Asthma and allergic reactions
- Head, neck and spinal injuries
- Fractures and sprains
- Heat-related illness and dehydration
- Seizures
Children are not simply smaller adults, and first aid needs to take their age and size into account. Depending on the course selected, training may include:
- CPR for adults, children and infants
- Age-appropriate choking response
- Recognising when a child is seriously unwell
- Safe use of an AED
- Managing common childhood injuries
- Responding calmly and reassuring a child during an emergency
Practical training gives staff the opportunity to learn and practise these skills under the guidance of a St John instructor.
Emergencies can happen anywhere on school grounds, which is why first aid skills are valuable across your whole school team.
- Teachers
- Sports coaches
- Aftercare & early learning
- Reception & admin
- Grounds & maintenance
- Kitchen staff
- Transport staff
First aid courses for schools
Three levels of accredited training, so you can start with the essentials and build from there. We will help you choose the right level based on the age groups you work with and the number of staff you would like to train.
First Aid e-Learning
The theory component of First Aid Level 1, completed online from a desktop or phone whenever it suits your staff, followed by a single practical day with a St John instructor. A world first from the Order of St John in South Africa, and the route most schools choose when they cannot spare two full days.
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Schools special
L1
First Aid Level 1
The essentials every school needs. CPR, choking, bleeding control, shock and fracture management, taught for adults, children and infants.
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Schools special
L2
First Aid Level 2
Deeper practical training for life-threatening and non-life-threatening emergencies, including patient assessment and vital signs.
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Schools special
L3
First Aid Level 3
Advanced knowledge and extensive practical application, for the staff who lead your school's emergency response.
View the coursePrices shown are the St John schools rate, per person. Class minimums apply to each course. Certificates are valid for three years. Training can be run at your school for group bookings.
For group bookings we bring the instructors and the training equipment to your school and run the session in your own hall, staff room or library.
- Scheduled around your school calendar
- No travel arrangements for your staff
- Practical sessions in your own spaces
- Certificates issued on successful completion
- Available through our centres in six provinces
How long will our staff be away from class?+
It depends on the course. Level 1 runs over two days in person, or you can choose the e-Learning route where staff complete the theory in their own time and attend one practical day. Level 2 runs over four days and Level 3 over five.
Why is there a minimum number of people?+
Each course has a minimum class size so that the session runs viably and every delegate gets proper hands-on practical time. Level 1 needs 10 for the face to face route or 5 for the e-Learning route, Level 2 needs 11 and Level 3 needs 9.
Can you train our whole staff at once?+
Yes. Larger groups are usually split into smaller practical sessions so that everyone gets proper time with an instructor. Let us know your numbers and we will suggest how best to arrange it.
Do you come to the school, or do we come to you?+
Either. For group bookings we prefer to come to you. Smaller numbers can join a scheduled course at one of our centres.
Does the training cover children and infants?+
Depending on the course selected, yes. Children and infants are covered as their own topics, with practical work on the appropriate training manikins.
How long is the certificate valid?+
Three years from the date of successful completion.
Can support staff attend as well as teachers?+
Yes, and we would encourage it. Coaches, aftercare, reception, kitchen, grounds and transport staff are all often the closest adult when something happens.
Can you supply first aid kits as well?+
Yes. Mention it in your enquiry and we will include it in your quote.
Tell us your numbers and when you would like to run the training, and we will come back to you with a quote and available dates. Speak to Aidan in our training team.
Or send us your details and we will come back to you with a quote.