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      Basic first aid: cuts, burns, breaks and sprains, and stings

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how to help in cases of cuts, burns, breaks and sprains, and stings.

      Key learning points

      1. Cuts should be cleaned and covered to prevent infection.
      2. Burns need to be cooled immediately with running water.
      3. Breaks and sprains require immobilisation and elevation.
      4. Stings should be treated by removing the sting and cleaning the area.
      5. Seek professional medical help when necessary.

      Keywords

      • First aid - immediate assistance given to someone who is injured or suddenly taken ill

      • Infection - when harmful germs like bacteria or viruses enter your body and multiply, causing illness and triggering your immune system to fight back

      • Immobilise - to restrict movement to prevent further injury

      • Sprain - an injury where ligaments around a joint get overstretched or torn, causing pain and swelling

      Common misconception

      You always need to see a doctor for a sprain.

      Not always, mild sprains can be treated at home.

      Teacher tip

      Demonstrating how to make a sling using a scarf could be a useful activity here.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is first aid?

      the emergency service that transports patients in ambulances
      Correct answer: the immediate assistance given to someone who is injured or suddenly taken ill
      the type of medical care provided during an operation

      Q2.
      Match the words to their correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:sting,injury caused by the venomous stinger of insects or plants

      injury caused by the venomous stinger of insects or plants

      Correct Answer:burn,injury caused by something that is very hot

      injury caused by something that is very hot

      Correct Answer:break,injury caused by bones snapping or cracking due to strong force

      injury caused by bones snapping or cracking due to strong force

      Correct Answer:emergency,a dangerous situation which needs immediate help

      a dangerous situation which needs immediate help

      Q3.
      Which of the following injuries can be treated with self-care?

      Correct answer: mild rash
      anaphylaxis
      Correct answer: mosquito bites
      Correct answer: small graze
      broken leg

      Q4.
      In which of the following situations should you seek medical help?

      someone is experiencing a runny nose and sore throat
      Correct answer: someone is experiencing difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
      Correct answer: someone is experiencing sudden dizziness
      Correct answer: someone is experiencing pain or pressure in the stomach or chest
      someone is experiencing nausea or vomiting

      Q5.
      Over degrees celsius is considered to be a high temperature for a person to have.

      Correct Answer: 38, thirty eight, 38+

      Q6.
      What is the role of a pharmacist?

      they can perform minor operations
      Correct answer: they can offer advice on over-the-counter medicines
      they can prescribe all types of medication

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to their correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:infection,when harmful germs like bacteria or viruses enter your body & multiply

      when harmful germs like bacteria or viruses enter your body & multiply

      Correct Answer:immobilise,to restrict movement to prevent further injury

      to restrict movement to prevent further injury

      Correct Answer:sprain,an injury where ligaments around a joint get overstretched or torn

      an injury where ligaments around a joint get overstretched or torn

      Q2.
      How should burns be treated?

      Correct answer: cool immediately with running water
      warm immediately with running water
      Correct answer: cover the burn with one layer of clingfilm
      Correct answer: take paracetamol to help with any pain
      apply ice or grease, like butter, to the burn

      Q3.
      How should stings be treated?

      Correct answer: wash the area and use ice to cool the swelling
      if the stinger has been left behind, leave it in
      Correct answer: if the stinger has been left behind, remove it
      Correct answer: take over-the-counter-medication with trusted adult permission

      Q4.
      When should a person who has been stung seek medical support?

      if they have the stinger left in the sting
      Correct answer: if they have cold skin to the touch
      Correct answer: if they have swelling in the throat, eyes or in the mouth
      if they have a small red itchy bump
      Correct answer: if they are fainting or losing consciousness

      Q5.
      Complete the sentence: Most breaks heal within weeks but some more complicated breaks can take longer.

      Correct Answer: six to twelve, 6-12, 6 to 12, 6 - 12

      Q6.
      Complete the sentence: sprains can be treated at home.

      Correct Answer: mild, less severe, moderate

      To help you plan your 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Basic first aid: cuts, burns, breaks and sprains, and stings, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...