The School of Nursing at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) is making significant strides in community engagement, bringing life-saving skills to primary school teachers in and around Potchefstroom. Their First Aid for School Teachers (FAST) initiative is a registered community engagement project that started with great enthusiasm this year. Aligning with the Community Engagement Policy of the NWU, the FAST team’s mission is to empower primary school teachers by equipping them with essential first aid skills, including the ability to treat common injuries and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The FAST team, consisting of Dr Khumo Shopo, Ms Jacky Goosen, Ms Johandi Neethling, Ms Stephani Botha and Ms Johanna Ditefo, kicked off the project in February and March 2025 with a successful training session at President Pretorius Primary School, where 22 teachers received first aid training. This training, organised in collaboration with Mr JJ Viljoen, was so well received that another session will be held later in the year.

The initiative continued to grow, with a second session held on 5 June 2025, in which 16 teachers from other schools in Potchefstroom participated. The event, coordinated in partnership with Ms D Sengati, the SADTU branch secretary, aimed to ensure that teachers from a variety of schools across the region were trained. Schools that participated included the Technical High School Potchefstroom, Boitshoko High School, Bright Beginnings Potchefstroom, Promosa Primary, BM Choabi Potchefstroom, Mohadin Primary School, Botoka Technical School, Boitirelo Primary School, Nanogang Primary School, Tshepo Primary School, Potchefstroom High School for Boys, Potchefstroom Secondary School, Promosa Secondary School, and Buffelsvlei Intermediate School.

Feedback from the teachers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many reported that the FAST training significantly boosted their confidence in handling minor emergencies. They said they felt more prepared, empowered and capable of ensuring the safety of learners in the event of an emergency.

Looking ahead, the FAST team is eager to develop the programme further and continue enhancing the safety and well-being of schools in the region. By providing teachers with the tools they need to handle emergencies, the team is creating a lasting impact on the school community.

 First Aid for School Teachers training at the President Pretorius Primary School.

 The FAST initiative covers a range of medical emergencies, including sprains, choking, CPR and more.