April 2005

Ambulance drives education initiative

There are few stories more inspiring than those involving young children saving the lives of family members with acts of courage that belie their years.

Near drowning, house fires, electrocution and incidents of collapse are just some of the more celebrated cases that have been reported in recent years.

In almost every case, the children were instructed in the way to respond by their school or an emergency services representative.

This life-saving information is also good public policy, as it sets up our children to deal responsibly with situations that are far removed from normal daily experience.

The Metropolitan Ambulance Service has long recognised the importance of in-school training as a means of preparing children for a worst-case scenario.

In April, 2003 it launched an innovative program aimed at students in Prep and Years One and Two about personal safety and what to do in a medical emergency.

The Ambulance in Schools program has a two-tiered approach to educating the children.

Manager of Community Education and Development at MAS Emily England said the program was designed to build a bond between children and the ambulance service and to give them practical advice in the event of an emergency.

More than 150 schools and 10,000 students have ‘graduated’ from the program, delivered by a group of dedicated former paramedics.

It is available to schools five days a week throughout the school year.

‘Our aim is to educate children, their teachers and parents in how to identify and minimise risks and what to do in an emergency,’ Ms England said.

‘The long-term benefit will be better health outcomes for the community.’

Children can explore inside an ambulance, are taught the 000 call-making procedure and the role of the paramedic.

They are also introduced to home safety initiatives, which they can share with their parents.

Ms England said the Ambulance in Schools program was a great opportunity for families to talk about the risks at home and the role that children can play in the event of a medical emergency.

‘It gives everyone a chance to talk about issues, even in the simplest of terms,’ she said.

General Manager of Clinical Services Ian Patrick said that MAS had worked hard to integrate the program with existing aspects of the school curriculum.

‘It allows the ambulance theme to tie into various school subjects including science, mathematics and human development,’ Mr Patrick said.

‘The program has the ability to empower the children to take responsibility and action.

Although the program is very much education-based, it is developed in a fun and exciting way, making it a subject children want to be involved in.’

Ms England said children were willing learners and were fascinated by the program.

‘By its end, the students are able to accurately identify when it is appropriate to call an ambulance and can correctly demonstrate the skills they need to do this.

‘They work as a group to raise attention to issues at home that could result in an accident.’

A teacher’s kit—including worksheets, pictures, activities and a CD—is offered as part of the program.

The worksheets incorporate the key messages:

• Stop, think and stay safe to identify and avoid hazards;

• Shout and squeeze to identify an unconscious person;

• Ask for help from an adult;

• Call 000 in an emergency;

• When calling 000 don’t hang up.

Visits to the school are about three hours depending on the number of students attending.

Each visit comprises three sections—a one-hour demonstration by the paramedic using student volunteers, small group role-playing sessions that allow each child to practise new skills and small group tours of the ambulance.

Family Activity Packs are provided to the students and include a set of homework tasks for parents and children to complete together.

There are also details about the Ambulance Membership Subscription Scheme and First Aid courses.

After completion of the program, students are presented with a certificate.

‘MAS is committed to supporting families from non-English-speaking backgrounds by providing translated material,’ said Ms England.

‘We want as many people as possible to be part of this exciting initiative.’

The cost per student is $2.20 with a minimum day fee of $132 (60 students).

• For more information on the Ambulance in Schools program contact the MAS Community Education and Development unit on 9840 3307.