Mini Medics: Empowering Fifth Graders Through Community-Based First Aid and Emergency Education
Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Printed poster
Entry Number
33
Start Date
4-16-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
4-16-2026 1:15 PM
School
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department
Bonner
Keywords
First Aid Education, Emergency Preparedness, Health Education, Community Partnership, School-Based Intervention, CPR Training, Injury Prevention, Healthcare Anxiety Reduction, Youth Empowerment, Early Healthcare Exposure
Abstract
Mini Medics is a collaborative initiative between the Lynchburg Fire Department and Lynchburg City Schools that introduces fifth-grade students to basic first aid, emergency awareness, and healthcare careers. Elementary-aged children frequently experience minor injuries but often lack the confidence to respond calmly and appropriately. This 60–90 minute interactive program, delivered annually to all fifth-grade classrooms citywide, is led by medical trainees and an off-duty paramedic. Sessions include discussion, EMS equipment demonstrations, and hands-on skill stations to promote experiential learning.
Students learn to recognize emergencies, properly activate 911, understand CPR basics, and practice skills such as wound care, nosebleed management, minor burn care, and bee sting treatment. The curriculum emphasizes distinguishing minor injuries from true emergencies and reinforces that healthcare professionals are helpers. Early, positive exposure to medical tools and personnel aims to reduce healthcare-related anxiety and build long-term comfort with healthcare settings. The program concludes with injury prevention education and “Certified Mini Medic” certificates, reinforcing key concepts and encouraging students to take an active role in keeping themselves and their community safe.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Tasha Gillum Dr. Katie Bowman
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Health and Physical Education
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Mini Medics: Empowering Fifth Graders Through Community-Based First Aid and Emergency Education
Turner Gymnasium
Mini Medics is a collaborative initiative between the Lynchburg Fire Department and Lynchburg City Schools that introduces fifth-grade students to basic first aid, emergency awareness, and healthcare careers. Elementary-aged children frequently experience minor injuries but often lack the confidence to respond calmly and appropriately. This 60–90 minute interactive program, delivered annually to all fifth-grade classrooms citywide, is led by medical trainees and an off-duty paramedic. Sessions include discussion, EMS equipment demonstrations, and hands-on skill stations to promote experiential learning.
Students learn to recognize emergencies, properly activate 911, understand CPR basics, and practice skills such as wound care, nosebleed management, minor burn care, and bee sting treatment. The curriculum emphasizes distinguishing minor injuries from true emergencies and reinforces that healthcare professionals are helpers. Early, positive exposure to medical tools and personnel aims to reduce healthcare-related anxiety and build long-term comfort with healthcare settings. The program concludes with injury prevention education and “Certified Mini Medic” certificates, reinforcing key concepts and encouraging students to take an active role in keeping themselves and their community safe.