The Greenside High School first aid team is committed to service

The Greenside High School first-aid team is there to provide service to others in their time of need.

With a vast background of 10 years of experience in first aid, first-aid coordinator at Greenside High School Kyle Gillot first marketed the idea of a first-aid team in the school last year.

“I marketed the idea to the principal, Mr [Craig] Strauss as not only a necessity in a schooling environment with injuries and illness arising from sports, student engagements or accidents (which he lauded as a complete necessity) but would also build a community among students who would like to find a space to feel helpful and valued.

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“It has been my goal to establish a competent first-aid team with students who can positively contribute to their school and larger community structure in a hands-on way. I began official first-aid activities in March of this year and the Greenside High School first-aid team has already made a rippling effect both in the school and at external sporting events.”

Gillot said his personal and professional mission is to prepare the learners for an array of high-stress situations such as car accidents, dislocations, fractures, concussions and more. “While these are primary, I also hope to instil a sense of empathy and compassion for others in them. This extracurricular activity falls under the category of service, which is exactly what it hopes to achieve. We are here to offer our hands in service to assist and uplift in whichever way we can.”

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Currently, there are around 20 first-aid team members. They are made up of the Grade 10s, 11s and some Grade 12s. Gillot said initially it was opened up to the entire school, but due to the volume of learners interested, they kept the team only open to the seniors for now. “We have seen a number of students pass in and out, but we have simmered these numbers down to a dedicated group of around 20 students consisting primarily of the Grade 10s and some Grade 11s.

“The first aiders are growing day by day. It’s a huge hill to climb, but they’re committed and put in the hard work every day.”

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