mmg.com.au

If you’re injured and in need of medical attention, you’ll be in safe hands at Orrvale Primary School.

About 370 students from Prep to Year 6 have been trained in basic first aid thanks to a St John’s Ambulance program.

Year 5 student Kayla Di Bella said she enjoyed the day, particularly because she hoped to be a nurse or paramedic when she’s older.

‘‘We learned how to do recovery positions and what to do when you’ve got a blood nose because it’s all changed,’’ the 11-year old said.

‘‘We got told what kind of stuff we use when there’s a fire or something and how to get everyone out of there (if they’re) unconscious or sick or hurt themselves.’’

Orrvale student engagement and well-being coordinator Luke Simpson said the program was a valuable resource for schools.

‘‘Hopefully they don’t have to use it but I think it’s a life-long skill that they’ve learned,’’ Mr Simpson said.

‘‘With boys and girls it’s a little bit tricky but they get used to it.

‘‘When we tell them it’s about saving lives ... they take it pretty seriously.

‘‘It could be just little things around the house like getting burned or cutting their legs (but) they can use it for the rest of their lives now.’’

St John chief executive officer Stephen Horton said the response to the program had been positive.

‘‘It’s a no-brainer for schools,’’ Mr Horton said.

‘‘Through this program, students will be given the skills and confidence to respond if an emergency happens.

‘‘Statistics show that the majority of accidents happen at home but less than a third of households have someone who has recently been first aid trained.

‘‘There’s obviously a big gap here and St John believes there is no better place to start bridging this gap than at school.’’

For more information about the St John’s Ambulance First Aid in Schools program, visit www.stjohnvic.com.au