Health Module

Unit 5:  Examining Health Conditions

Lesson 3:   Examining First Aid Care (AHS)

While this unit works with websites that may be of interest to advanced ESOL students, the activities are much less guided than most other units.  Therefore it is recommended primarily for AHS students.  However, advanced ESOL students who can work independently on the computer and at basic research tasks, and who need a challenge beyond the rest of their class may also benefit.

Ironically, 2 of the most readable websites that we found on first aid are not from the US.  Unfortunately, sites by reputable US health information sources are often written in highly technical language that would be difficult for students of English to understand (not to mention fluent English speakers!). 

Please advise students that the information given on these sites should not be considered medical advice.  They should check with a doctor for accurate, personalized medical information.  However, they may find the information interesting and will definitely benefit from working with the language contained in the sites.

Materials Needed:

• Flipchart/board and markers/chalk; flipchart paper will be used to make posters for presentations.

• computers with Internet access

• Handout 1, Research:  First AID

• Websites:
  http://library.thinkquest.org/10624/index.html  (Rescue 411 website created by students)
  http://firstaid.eire.org/Firstaid_index.html  (Irish first aid site)
  http://www.parasolemt.com.au/afa/  (Australian first aid site)
  http://www.healthteacher.com/lessonguides/injuries/middle/inj10ms/index.asp  (US site designed for middle school readers.  Halfway down the lesson page under the "Preparation" heading are links to handouts on first aid subtopics.  These subtopic pages have the simplest layout of all the websites listed, but the vocabulary is not always easy.  Handouts have copying limits, so it is best to have students read them from the computer screen.)
  http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/3483/kidsfirstaid.html   (Written for kids to help other kids.  Short reading.)

        Vocabulary will vary from one site to another.  The Word Bank 
          offers suggestions only.

Word Bank:

victim
rescue
resuscitate
life threatening
diabetes
shock
choking
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
electrocution
palpitations
seizure
hyperventilation
sting
unconscious
stroke
drowning
signs
trauma
 

Introductory Activity: What is first aid?   Whole Group Discussion

• Today we are going to research first aid topics.  What do we mean by "first aid"?

• What are some accidents or emergencies you might need to do first aid for?

• Have you ever done first aid before?  What happened?  What did you do?  How did you feel?

Activity 1:  Research Groups

More computer savvy groups can work independently while you can focus on helping groups with less computer experience among their members.

• Now I'd like you to get in groups of 3 or 4 students.  You will work together to learn about 1 first aid topic.  We’ll use the internet to find information, and then you’ll present your information to the class.

• Now that you are in groups, I will give you a handout that will tell you what to do next.

Have students complete the handouts.

Activity 2:  Presenting the Research

Each group member having a different job or task ensures that everyone participates and that teamwork communication skills are practiced.

• You have some choices for how to present your research.  Whichever you choose, make sure everyone in your group has a job to do.

  •  You can make a poster with information on your group's topic and explain the first aid steps to the class.

  • Or you can present a skit in which you and your group members act out what you need to do in your group's emergency situation.

Activity 3: Writing Expansion (Optional)

Write an informational flyer telling people what to do in the emergency or accident situation your group researched. 

Flyers could be distributed to ESOL classes or other AHS classes so that other students can learn from your class's work.