Overcoming Challenges: Grade 11 students practice emergency first aid

The answer was found in the interdisciplinary experiential activity “Emergency Touch – Beyond Limits,” combining Biology and National Defense and Security Education (GDQPAN), designed specifically for 11th-grade Natural Science students at Greenfield School Ecopark.

The activity consisted of two main stages, with participation from 10 groups from classes 11TN1, 11TN2, and 11TN3. In the first stage, students faced the obstacle course challenge. Here, teams had to run zigzag, crawl under low barriers, cross a single-log bridge, and scale high obstacles as quickly as possible. Each movement required precision, agility, and the ability to maintain a steady pace.

After completing the first challenge, teams drew lots to determine their scenario for the “First Aid Simulation Station.” Each team addressed different emergencies such as heatstroke, fractures, bleeding, fainting, or choking. Students not only had to follow proper procedures but also respond quickly to unexpected developments (e.g., victims trembling, gasping, stuttering, convulsing, vomiting), added by teachers to enhance adaptability.

Moving on to stage two, the top two teams from stage one faced the scenario “Victim stops breathing after overexertion.” In this simulated case, a student suddenly collapses, loses consciousness, and stops breathing. Teams had to quickly assess responsiveness and breathing, then coordinate to carry the victim to the designated emergency area. There, they performed the full CPR procedure: opening the airway, 30 chest compressions – 2 rescue breaths (simulation), switching roles at the right time, and ensuring correct technique.

After both stages, awards were presented to the teams:

• Golden Hands of First Aid – Team 8 (11TN3)

• Rapid Rescue Team – Team 4 (11TN1)

• Team Spirit – Team 3 (11TN1)

• Solid First Aid Knowledge – Team 5 (11TN2)

• Smart Response – Team 7 (11TN3)

• Promising Responders – Teams 1, 2, 6, 9, 10 (11TN1, 11TN2, 11TN3)

At the end of the activity, many students were still excited about the experience. Hoàng Gia Linh (11G1) shared: “I really enjoyed today’s activities. This lesson not only allowed me to apply classroom theory into practice but also gave me confidence in handling real-life emergencies requiring help.”

Greenfield School believes that this interdisciplinary experience in Biology and GDQPAN not only reinforces students’ knowledge of the muscular, respiratory, and circulatory systems but also develops their obstacle-course skills and, more importantly, equips them with essential first-aid skills to help themselves and others around them.