DRSABC: Trainee teachers' experiences with first aid training

The instruction of trainee teachers in basic first aid training forms an integral part of their teacher training. Teacher education programmes at the Australian Catholic University in Sydney, Australia are no exception. Research has suggested first aid training is a valued and very necessary part of teacher education for trainee teachers to become competent teachers. Research has also concluded that, first aid training has been less than satisfactory among trainee teachers because of deficiencies in the quality of training provided and in the application of the content taught. It was evident from the findings that the most outstanding positive experience of the trainee teachers concerned was the flexibility in the way the course could be taught. Negative experiences included too much content, and not feeling confident in their ability to actually administer first aid. These findings compelled the researcher to prepare students during their first aid training thoroughly, for what they might experience when having to administer first aid in the classroom.