Back to School 2025: Emergency and First Aid Guide for Children

September brings back-to-school energy—and with it, more daily movement for kids. School buses, playgrounds, gyms and club activities can increase minor injuries and unexpected health issues. This guide offers practical, actionable tips to start the 2025–2026 school year safely.

Back to School 2025: Emergency and First Aid Guide

1) School and Bus Safety Checklist

• Are seat belts functional and properly used on the bus? Is your child seated correctly with height-appropriate belts?
• Add an information card in the backpack including:
  • Parent/guardian name and phone
  • Physician info (if applicable)
  • Known allergies (medication, food, insect)
  • Chronic conditions (asthma, epilepsy, diabetes…)
• Clarify how the school nurse/administration will be contacted in an emergency.
• Prepare a family emergency plan (who calls whom, backup contacts, home–work distance and ETA).

2) Allergies, Asthma and Chronic Conditions

• Provide signed consent forms and physician notes for regular medications.
• For asthma: keep a spare inhaler, spacer and usage instructions with the teacher or in a safe cabinet.
• For severe allergies: ensure at least two staff members know where the epinephrine auto-injector is and how to use it.

3) Sports and Play Injuries: First Steps

• For ankle sprains/knee twists: RICE protocol—Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
• For cuts: gently rinse with clean water; if bleeding, apply pressure with sterile gauze.
• For head bumps with red flags (dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness): stop activity and seek medical assessment.

4) When to Call 112 or an Ambulance

“Red flag” symptoms may signal a serious condition:

• Shortness of breath, wheezing, cyanosis, difficulty speaking
• Altered consciousness, repeated vomiting, seizures
• Severe allergic reaction (tongue/lip/throat swelling, widespread hives)
• Uncontrolled bleeding or obvious deformity (suspected fracture)
• Severe abdominal pain, with fever and weakness

Call 112 in these situations. Nova Ambulans can support with rapid access, the right equipment and experienced staff.

5) Mini Emergency Kit for the Backpack

• Assorted bandages and small sterile gauze
• Medical tape, small scissors, disposable gloves
• Antiseptic wipes, instant cold pack
• Personal medications with instructions (if any)

6) Communication and Education

• Keep regular contact with teachers/admin; watch for bullying, anxiety and psychosomatic signs.
• Teach your child simple first aid: pressure on bleeding, leaning forward for nosebleeds with gentle pinch.

Being prepared reduces panic and helps you make better decisions. Wishing you a safe and healthy term.

In a medical emergency, call 112. For questions and planning, Nova Ambulans supports patient transport and event medical services.