The St John Safe Kids programme visits schools to give children an understanding of how to recognise, and act appropriately in, a first aid emergency The topic range includes how to call an ambulance and basic first aid.
The St John Safe Kids programme visits schools in many parts of New Zealand to give children an understanding of how to recognise, and act appropriately in, a first aid emergency. The topic range includes how to call an ambulance, basic first aid skills and familiarisation with ambulances and the people and equipment children may interact with in a first aid emergency. St John Safe Kids caters to a broad age group - from late pre-school age through to intermediate. Topics and teaching strategies are all appropriate to the age of the children.
Safe Kids in schools
What happens in a typical Safe Kids session?
In consultation with the school,a trained St John Safe Kids presenter will plan and deliver the programme to a class, or group of classes, at school, in response to a request from a teacher or school administrator. Our experienced presenters have excellent classroom skills and child friendly teaching resources – they know how to make the experience fun and interactive for every child.
During the session, which is usually between 45 and 90 minutes long per class, learning is focused on three core topics:
1. Ambulance awareness:
We familiarise children with the equipment, noises and uniforms that come with an ambulance call out. The aim is to create positive associations, so that children are less stressed and scared if they’re ever in a medical emergency situation.
2. Using the 111 emergency system:
Knowing how to dial the correct number in an emergency, when not to use the 111 emergency system, how to speak clearly and give the correct information when asked. This is an important session for young school age children as it has the potential to save lives and reduce the incidence of inappropriate use of the 111 system..
3. Basic first aid:
Teaching children some basic first aid skills, appropriate to their age, empowers them to recognise and act appropriately in situations involving injury. We don't expect kids to become competent first aiders after one lesson, but we do aim to inspire them to at least have a go.
Enquire about Safe Kids
If you’re interested in having a St John Safe Kids class at your school, call St John toll free on 0800 ST JOHN (0800 78 56 46), send an email to enquiries@stjohn.org.nz or
complete an online request >>