Borden Primary School students gain vital life lessons in emergency preparedness with St John’s visit

Young students of Borden Primary School learned life lessons in approaching emergency scenarios after St John WA’s Great Southern Albany team made a special appearance at the school earlier this month. On Tuesday, November 7, the students learned the importance of identifying hazards and how to assist in emergencies while learning hands-on skills. Renee Salmon and Taryn Mirdiyanto from St John’s Albany sub-centre arranged activities for the children and guided them on a tour of an ambulance. Borden Primary School manager for corporate services Jamie-Lee Maslij said the event aims to equip students with the skills they need to respond to situations requiring first aid. “Children need to be aware of what emergency services are available In our rural area and what to do if they come across someone who requires first aid,” she said. “By having emergency crew members visit our school, it helps embed and build a connection with them.” The junior class learned the basics, while the senior class gained more advanced knowledge and practical experience. “Junior room students learnt what an emergency is, and recognise danger, while also learning how to call triple-zero and who can help them,” she said. “The junior students received a sticker and certificate for participating in the training and demonstrating their understanding of how to call 000. “Senior room students learned how to identify situations that require the help of emergency services and how to call for an ambulance. “Dealing with an unconscious casualty, recovery position practise and how to apply a snake bandage. “In our country area, older children may be more likely to assist a person in need, so these two hands-on skills could potentially save someone’s life.” The students’ parents also engaged in a first-aid awareness session that covered the basic skills that are required of a guardian.