The Delhi government has launched an online first aid training programme for school teachers to ensure they are equipped to respond to medical emergencies in classrooms and campuses. The initiative, rolled out by the Directorate of Education (DoE) in collaboration with the Health Department and Indian Red Cross Society, aims to build life-saving skills among educators working in both government and private schools across the city.

I am writing about this because school safety is one of the most crucial yet overlooked aspects of education. Teachers are often the first responders when a student falls ill, faints, or suffers an injury, and timely first aid can make all the difference. The Delhi government’s initiative recognises this need and provides practical, accessible training to empower teachers with confidence and competence. With schools managing large numbers of students every day, this move could set an example for other states to follow in prioritising health preparedness in educational institutions.

A step towards safer schools

The online first aid training programme is part of the Delhi government’s larger mission to make schools safer and more health-conscious. According to officials, the training will be provided in phases to ensure that every teacher across all government and recognised private schools in Delhi is covered.

Through this programme, teachers will learn how to handle common medical emergencies, including:

• Fainting and dehydration
• Cuts, burns, and minor injuries
• Fractures and sprains
• Asthma attacks and allergic reactions
• Seizures, choking, and cardiac arrest situations

The training also includes a section on mental health first aid, teaching educators how to recognise signs of stress, anxiety, or emotional distress among students and offer immediate support before professional help is available.

Key features of the online training

The new online module allows teachers to access training from anywhere using a digital platform designed by the Indian Red Cross Society. Each module includes video demonstrations, multiple-choice quizzes, and real-life case scenarios to test understanding.

Some of the key highlights of the programme include:

• User-friendly online platform: Teachers can log in using their school credentials and complete the training at their own pace.
• Certification: Upon successful completion, teachers receive a digital certificate recognised by the Delhi government.
• Practical guidance: The course provides step-by-step demonstrations on CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), wound dressing, and emergency response.
• Real-time support: Teachers can also interact with medical professionals through scheduled live sessions for clarification and guidance.

The government has said that the training will be made mandatory for all school heads and teachers, ensuring that at least two staff members in every school are fully equipped to handle emergencies.

Why first aid training for teachers is necessary

Schools are places where hundreds of children spend several hours daily, engaging in physical, academic, and recreational activities. Naturally, minor injuries, fainting spells, or sudden health issues are bound to occur. However, in many cases, teachers are not trained to handle such situations effectively.

Immediate first aid can often prevent complications or even save lives. For example:

• A child choking during lunch can be saved through quick application of the Heimlich manoeuvre.
• Early CPR after cardiac arrest can double survival chances.
• Timely response to seizures or head injuries can prevent lasting harm.

By training teachers in these techniques, the Delhi government is ensuring that every classroom has a first line of defence until medical professionals arrive.

Government’s commitment to student safety

Education Minister Atishi emphasised that this initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to make schools in Delhi not just centres of learning but also safe spaces for students. “Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and this programme will empower them to take immediate action when needed,” she said.

The Delhi government has already taken multiple steps to prioritise student well-being, such as:

• Regular health check-ups for students under the School Health Scheme
• Installation of first aid kits and medical rooms in every school
• Deployment of trained counsellors for mental health support
• Integration of safety drills and awareness sessions in the school calendar

With the new training programme, the government is further expanding the scope of safety by making first aid education an essential skill for all teaching staff.