THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER IN CHILD ACCIDENT PREVENTION

A sample of 278 head teachers of children aged between three and 11 ye ars in North Staffordshire were sent a postal questionnaire to determi ne the manner and extent to which they were involved in accident preve ntion. The majority of respondents agreed that accident prevention was a suitable subject to be taught in schools. However, a minority felt that they had enough background information or training on the subject . First-aid instruction was particularly requested. Levels of reportin g and management of individual accident cases varied. It is desirable that guidelines are agreed on accident reporting, the role of the scho ol medical service in accident prevention and the supervision of child ren during recreation periods.