Scripture: Exodus
Learning Objectives:
- Students review the story of Moses raising his hands so that God would bring victory to the Israelites over the Amalekites.
- Students will learn the basics of how to care for a minor wound.
Guiding Question: How do we take care of minor wounds so that they heal properly?
Materials: basic first aid kit, bandages, foil, water, clear container, food coloring, washable red markers
Procedure: Review the story of the Israelites fighting the Amalekites focusing on show the Israelites won because Moses held his hands up and God led them to victory. However, after the battle there were probably a lot of wounds to heal. Discuss the importance of caring for wounds so that they do not become infected. Teach the Three C’s: Check, Clean, Cover, Change.
Check the area for bleeding and whether an object needs to be removed. Emphasize the importance of wearing gloves so that bodily fluids do not spread germs. If there is blood, it needs immediate attention so that diseases do not spread such as AIDs and infections such staph. Clean the area with soap and water or antiseptic wipes so that germs are not trapped in it. Cover it with a bandage so that it does not re-open and keep germs out. Over time, change the bandage so it is sanitary.
Explain that there are germs on the skin. The skin is a protective organ that keeps diseases and germs out of your body. Show students the following: Place foil over a clear container of water. Drop food coloring on the foil. The foil is skin. The water is your bloodstream, the food coloring is germs. Then take a sharp pencil and poke holes so that the food coloring drops through. This represents a cut. Watch as the food coloring spreads to the water (blood). Discuss that it is important to clean the area and cover the wound to prevent the spread. Skin is an amazing organ that God created to heal itself, but you need to check on it over time and provide clean bandages for it to do so.
If the wound is too large for a small stick-on bandage, apply pressure and use long strips of fabric to wrap around the wound. Pressure stops the flow of blood and fabric provides a thicker cushion. Show students how to wrap fabric around an arm and knot the end back through itself to secure it. If on the hand, show students how to wrap between the thumb and finger so that it stays secure. Emphasize the importance of using fabric that is as clean as possible to prevent trapping dirt and germs into the wound. Show students a first-aid kit and review the purpose of each object. Tell students where they can find one at church and school.
Allow students to practice caring for a cut on each other. They can draw a red mark on their arm with washable markers to role play with a partner.
Additional Questions:
- What diseases can be prevented by cleaning and caring for an open wound correctly?
- When would it be helpful to have a first-aid box on hand?
Supplemental Activity: Create miniature first aid kits. This can contain antiseptic wipes, gauze, bandages, tweezers for splinters, gloves etc. Place them in a small shoe box and use a large rubber band to secure the lid. For a more on-the-go option: use a large mint box or jewelry box for students to keep in their school box or moms’ purses.
Written by: Savannah Negas