• Farhan Muhammad Qureshi, Nadia Khalid, Seema Nigah-E-Mumtaz, Tahira Assad, and Khola Noreen.
• Dr. Farhan Muhammad Qureshi, MBBS, MS (Public Health & Health Promotion), Senior Lecturer, Department of Community Health Sciences, Karachi Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Malir Cantt, Karachi, Pakistan.
• Pak J Med Sci. 2018 Mar 1; 34 (2): 272-276.

Background And ObjectiveChildren spend most of their time in schools and are vulnerable to injuries and mild ailments, hence requiring first-aid care. School teacher can provide immediate first-aid care in the absence of any health professional. This study assesses first-aid facilities within school premises and assessment of teachers on first aid training.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted from July-December 2017, participants were full time school teachers of both public and private sectors at both primary and secondary levels, having a minimum of one year experience. Questionnaire was filled on one to one basis by taking oral interview.ResultsOut of 209 teachers, 72.7% were from private sector. Stomachache was the most common medical incident (82.29%) requiring first-aid care in schools. First aid box was available in all schools but its contents were not satisfactory. Sick bay was not found in any school. 68.42% of teachers were not trained in first-aid management because of lack of opportunity, however 56% were willing to enroll in any first aid training and majority (91.38%) considered it essential for their professional life.ConclusionFirst aid facilities at various schools of Karachi and availability of trained teachers who can provide first aid care is unsatisfactory.

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