Amanzimtoti school pioneers first aid training

An Amanzimtoti school is breaking new ground in small business development.

Kingsway High School is the first school to employ a full-time paramedic.

Well-known former Netcare 911 media liaison officer, intermediate life support paramedic and first aid trainer, Chris Botha was appointed the school’s official paramedic on 1 October, but his duties at the school will entail more than treating sports injuries.

Working hand-in-hand with newly appointed business manager, Colleen Smit, the school will offer first aid and health and safety courses.

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“Our main drive is to small business development,” said principal, Sandra du Toit.

“We want the business component of Kingsway High to make money for the school and keep pupils in Amanzimtoti by offering so much more. We want to give something back to the community, get businesses and companies involved, and make Kingsway the ‘hub’ in town – where we make a difference, and where every individual from our community counts.

Our vision is to develop small businesses, where they can make money for themselves, as well as put money back into the school.”

Schools in general are battling in the current economic climate and Kingsway is thinking ‘outside the box’ to try rake in as much funds as possible.

“Our intention is to do this professionally,” said Du Toit. “This is not only my little project – it will be run by a board of trustees and it will be passed by the Department of Labour and be SETA (Skills Education Training Authorities) and SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) registered. Applications have already been submitted.”

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Kingsway will boast an upgraded medical supply centre for educators, pupils and professionals to do their first aid level 1, 2 and 3 courses,” said Du Toit.

Botha said continuous medical education (CMEs), doctors and medical professionals will be called in to do demonstrations on a regular basis. “CPD (continuing professional development) points are awarded for the attendees to allow them to keep their medical qualification current,” he said.

Every business needs at least one person trained in occupational healthcare and safety. This will be a good partnership between the school and local businesses and it is a win-win situation for all.

This is a big advantage for the medical and first aid industry to have it established at a school, so that a continuous monitoring of the education level is maintained,” said Botha.