Key Facts:
- Parents and carers urged to refresh first aid knowledge as Australian students return to school, particularly regarding allergies and playground injuries
- Food allergies are increasing in schools, with key EpiPen safety protocols including proper storage, labelling, and ensuring staff know how to use them
- Common school injuries include cuts, sprains, head knocks and nosebleeds, each requiring specific first aid responses and monitoring
- Schools must have trained staff, but parents are encouraged to undertake formal first aid training for incidents at home and elsewhere
- National First Aid Courses offers accredited training in CPR, anaphylaxis management, asthma first aid and child-focused courses nationwide
As students across Australia head back to school, National First Aid Courses (NFAC) is urging parents and carers to brush up on essential first aid knowledge, particularly when it comes to allergies, common playground injuries, and knowing when to act fast.
National First Aid Courses director Samuel Bohr said with schools returning to full activity, minor injuries are inevitable. However, many incidents can be managed, or even prevented, when parents, carers and educators understand basic first aid principles.
"Children are naturally active, curious and energetic. Scrapes, bumps and allergic reactions are among the most common school-related incidents we see," Mr Bohr said.
"The right knowledge can make a critical difference in those first few minutes."
Allergy awareness at school: What parents need to know
Food allergies are a growing concern in Australian schools, with an increasing number of children carrying EpiPens or other adrenaline auto-injectors.
Key EpiPen and allergy safety tips for parents:
Ensure your child's EpiPen is in date, clearly labelled and stored according to school policy
Teach children (age-appropriately) to recognise early symptoms such as itching, swelling or difficulty breathing
Make sure teachers and carers know where the EpiPen is kept and how to use it
Review your child's ASCIA Action Plan with the school at the start of each year
Remember: adrenaline is safe. When in doubt, use the EpiPen and call 000 immediately
"Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency," Mr Bohr said.
"Prompt recognition and action saves lives."
Common School Injuries — and How to Respond
While most school injuries are minor, knowing the correct response can prevent complications.
Some of the most common back-to-school injuries include:
Cuts and grazes
Clean the wound with running water
Apply pressure to stop bleeding
Cover with a clean dressing
Sprains and strains
Use the RICER principle: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral
Avoid returning to play too quickly
Head knocks
Monitor for symptoms such as vomiting, confusion, headache or drowsiness
Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or persist
Nosebleeds
Sit the child upright and lean them forward
Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes
Do not tilt the head back
Why First Aid training matters - for parents too
While schools are required to have trained staff, experts say parents benefit greatly from formal first aid education.
"Accidents don't just happen at school. They happen at home, sport and on weekends," Mr Bohr said.
"A nationally recognised first aid course gives parents the confidence to respond calmly and correctly, wherever they are."
National First Aid Courses delivers accredited first aid training across Australia, including CPR, anaphylaxis management, asthma first aid and child-focused courses designed for parents, educators and carers.
