10 Common School Playground Injuries and How Staff Should Respond
Playgrounds are essential for children's physical development, social skills and wellbeing. However, they are also one of the most common locations for accidents and injuries within schools.
Understanding how to respond appropriately can help reduce complications and reassure both pupils and parents.
1. Grazes and Scrapes
Minor falls often result in superficial abrasions.
What to do:
Clean the wound if appropriate.
Apply a suitable dressing.
Monitor for signs of infection.
2. Bumps to the Head
Children frequently collide with equipment, other pupils or the ground.
What to do:
Assess the child carefully.
Look for signs of concussion.
Follow school procedures for head injuries.
Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
3. Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are common during play and sports activities.
What to do:
Sit the child down.
Lean them slightly forward.
Pinch the soft part of the nose for around 10 minutes.
4. Sprains and Strains
Running, jumping and climbing can lead to soft tissue injuries.
What to do:
Rest the injured area.
Apply a cold pack if available.
Seek further assessment if pain is severe.
5. Choking
Children may choke on food, sweets or small objects.
What to do:
Encourage coughing if possible.
Follow recognised choking procedures.
Call emergency services if the airway becomes blocked.
6. Asthma Attacks
Physical activity can trigger asthma symptoms.
What to do:
Help the child use their reliever inhaler.
Reassure them and encourage slow breathing.
Escalate if symptoms do not improve.
7. Broken Bones
Falls from climbing frames can occasionally result in fractures.
What to do:
Minimise movement.
Support the injured limb.
Seek urgent medical assistance.
8. Allergic Reactions
Exposure to food allergens, insect stings or environmental triggers may cause reactions.
What to do:
Monitor symptoms carefully.
Administer an adrenaline auto-injector if prescribed and required.
Call 999 for severe reactions.
9. Seizures
Some pupils may have known epilepsy, whilst others may experience a seizure for the first time.
What to do:
Protect the child from injury.
Do not restrain them.
Time the seizure.
Follow the pupil's healthcare plan.
10. Cardiac Arrest
Although rare, cardiac arrest can occur in children and adults.
What to do:
Call 999 immediately.
Start CPR.
Use an AED as soon as possible.
Why School Staff Need Regular First Aid Training
Emergencies can happen with little warning. Staff who receive regular first aid training are more likely to:
Recognise serious conditions early
Remain calm under pressure
Provide effective first aid
Improve outcomes for casualties
School First Aid Training Across London and the South East
Life Force First Aid provides practical first aid courses for schools, academies, colleges and educational trusts.
Our training helps teachers and support staff develop the confidence and skills needed to respond effectively when every second counts.
Contact us today to discuss first aid training for your school.