Back to school: are you ready to respond in an emergency?
Back to school in Québec is more than just returning to the classroom: it’s a critical time to ensure children’s safety. Schools, daycare centers, school transportation… all these environments require vigilance and preparation. To prevent risks, it’s essential that both children and the adults who supervise them are well-trained to respond in emergencies.
A shared responsibility
Schools and daycare services are responsible for the safety of the children in their care every day. This includes having a thorough knowledge of first aid. The CNESST even recommends that first aid training be renewed every three years.
School transportation is also a key link. Drivers are often the first witnesses to medical incidents or risky behaviors. Being trained in first aid can make all the difference between a situation being under control and an emergency being mishandled.
Parents, finally, play an equally important role. With busy schedules and children sometimes returning home alone, it is crucial to ensure that they are prepared to respond in an emergency, even without adults present.
School staff: regular first aid training is essential
Educational staff are on the front lines when accidents or health issues occur at school. Falls, allergic reactions, choking, injuries during sports activities—the risks are numerous and require quick and appropriate intervention.
General first aid training for daycare and school settings enables educators and supervisors to:
-
Recognize signs of distress
-
Master CPR techniques
-
Use an EpiPen
-
Stabilize injuries or sprains
Certain environments require up-to-date certification to perform certain duties with children. This highlights the importance of renewing certificates before the start of the school year. These requirements are particularly governed by the Regulation on School-Based Daycare Services, which specifies staff responsibilities regarding safety and training.
School transportation: A first responder role
Bus drivers are responsible for children’s safety during daily commutes. Illness, asthma attacks, or allergic reactions can occur at any time. First aid training for school transportation provides the tools to:
-
Quickly assess a situation
-
Apply the correct interventions while waiting for emergency services
-
Manage the group while ensuring safety
By completing this training, drivers gain essential skills to intervene effectively and reassure both children and parents.
A Safer school year for everyone
The start of the school year is the perfect time to review safety priorities. Renewing a certification, training a new staff member, or enrolling a child in a course can make all the difference. Parents, educators, and institutions share the collective responsibility of protecting children, and even simple actions can have a lasting impact.
