First-Aid Certification and Staffing at BISPP
At Brightstar International School of Phnom Penh, an appropriate number of teachers and staff members hold first-aid certifications, and we have a full-time School Nurse on staff. Additionally, we have a fully licensed and trained lifeguard who oversees all swimming lessons.
First-Aiders
A designated number of teachers and teacher assistants at BISPP are required to hold a valid first-aid certificate. They are responsible for:
- Taking charge when someone is injured or becomes ill in their class.
- Ensuring an adequate supply of medical materials in first aid kits and replenishing them as needed.
The Role of First-Aiders
First-aiders are trained and qualified to carry out their duties, which include:
- Acting as first responders to any incidents, assessing the situation, and providing immediate and appropriate treatment.
- Sending students to the School Nurse, who in turn will send them home to recover, if necessary.
- Help provide all of the information needed by the School Nurse to complete an accident report on the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable, after an incident.
School Principal Responsibilities
The School Principal is responsible for the implementation of this policy, including:
- Ensuring that an appropriate number of trained first-aid personnel are present in the school at all times.
- Ensuring that the School Nurse is appropriately qualified, keep their training up to date, and remain competent in their role.
- Making sure all staff are aware of first-aid procedures.
- Ensuring that appropriate risk assessments are completed and necessary measures are put in place.
- Ensuring that adequate space is available to cater to the medical needs of students.
Staff Responsibilities
School employees are responsible for:
- Following first-aid procedures.
- Knowing who the School Nurse and first-aiders in school are.
- Completing accident reports for any incidents they attend where a first-aider is not called upon.
- Informing the School nurse of any specific health conditions or first-aid needs.
First-Aid Procedures
In-School Procedures
In the event of an accident resulting in injury:
- The closest member of staff will assess the seriousness of the injury and seek the assistance of the School Nurse, who will provide the required first-aid treatment.
- The School Nurse, if called, will assess the injury and decide if any further assistance is needed from a colleague or emergency services. They will remain on scene until help arrives.
- The School Nurse will also decide whether the injured person should be moved or placed in a recovery position.
- If the School Nurse judges that a student is too unwell to remain in school, parents will be contacted to collect their child. Upon their arrival, the first-aider will recommend the next steps to the parents.
- If emergency services are called, the campus manager, or in their absence, the School Principal, will contact the parents immediately.
- The relevant staff member will complete an accident report form on the same day, or as soon as is reasonably practical after an incident resulting in an injury.
Off-Site Procedures
When taking students off the school premises, staff will ensure they have:
- A mobile phone.
- A portable first-aid kit.
- Information about the specific medical needs of students.
- Access to parents’ contact details.
Risk assessments will be completed by the lead member of staff before any educational visit that necessitates taking students off school premises. At least one first-aider will always be present with the School Nurse on school trips and visits as required by BISPP.
First-Aid Equipment
A typical first-aid kit in our school includes:
- A leaflet with general first-aid advice.
- Regular and large bandages.
- Eye pad bandages.
- Triangular bandages.
- Adhesive tape.
- Safety pins.
- Disposable gloves.
- Antiseptic wipes.
- Plasters of assorted sizes.
- Scissors.
- Cold compresses.
- Burns dressings.
No medication is kept in first-aid kits. These kits are stored in:
- The main office.
- Science Lab.
- Staff Room.
- Swimming Pool Areas.
- Library.
- Canteen.
Record-Keeping and Reporting
First-Aid and Accident Record Book
- A minor accident form is completed if the injury requires only very minor first aid, such as a wipe, cold compress, plaster, or ice pack for a short time.
- As much detail as possible should be provided when reporting an accident.
- A copy of the accident report form will be added to the student’s educational record by the School Nurse.
- Specified injuries, such as fractures, amputations, serious burns, or injuries leading to unconsciousness, are documented in detail.
Notifying Parents
The School Nurse or teaching assistant will inform parents of any accident or injury sustained by a student, including any first-aid treatment given. Parents will be notified on the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable.
Training
All School Nurses, Lifeguards and first-aiders must complete a training course and hold a valid certificate of competence. The school maintains a register of all trained first-aiders, including their qualifications and the validity period. Staff are encouraged to renew their first-aid training as needed.
At all times, at least one member of staff will hold a current paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate that meets BISPP requirements.
