Delhi Government Launches Mandatory Online First Aid Training for Teachers
The Delhi government has recently introduced a mandatory online training programme for teachers, aimed at equipping them with essential first aid knowledge and skills. Titled “First Aid – To Improve Human Reaction in Challenging Health Situations,” this initiative has been launched under the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) format and will run from October 9 to October 19, 2025. The move underscores the importance of preparedness in educational institutions and highlights the government’s focus on teacher readiness for health emergencies.
A Strategic Step Towards Health Safety in Schools
In a circular issued by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) on Monday, the government clarified that the training is mandatory for all teachers across Delhi. The course aims to sensitize educators about the inevitability of health-related situations where first aid may be necessary. By preparing teachers for emergencies, the government hopes to ensure that students are supported promptly and effectively during unexpected incidents in schools.
The course emphasizes practical understanding and the importance of being proactive when dealing with health emergencies. Teachers will gain knowledge on recognizing critical situations, administering first aid, and maintaining safety standards within classrooms and school premises. This initiative represents a comprehensive approach to creating safer learning environments for students.
Key Objectives of the Online First Aid Training
The SCERT circular outlined several primary goals for the course:
- Raising Awareness: Teachers will develop an understanding of situations where first aid is essential.
- Readiness in Emergencies: The programme emphasizes the importance of being prepared for unexpected health situations.
- Availability of First Aid Kits: Teachers will be educated on maintaining first aid kits in classrooms and school premises.
- Practical First Aid Training: Participants will learn how to administer first aid effectively during emergencies.
By achieving these objectives, the Delhi government intends to empower teachers with the tools and confidence required to act swiftly, thereby safeguarding students’ health and well-being.
Course Structure and Duration
The online training programme has been designed in the MOOC format, providing flexibility for teachers to learn at their own pace. Running for 10 days, from October 9 to October 19, the programme includes structured modules covering various first aid scenarios and health emergency management techniques.
Each teacher is required to engage actively with the course content and complete the assessments. To successfully finish the programme, participants must score at least 70% in each assessment, ensuring that only those with a firm understanding of the concepts are certified.
Upon successful completion, teachers can download their certificates directly from the online platform, providing formal recognition of their competence in first aid.
Ensuring Teacher Competence in Health Emergencies
The training programme is not just a formality; it is intended to ensure that teachers are fully capable of responding to emergencies. In schools, where hundreds of students gather daily, even minor health incidents can escalate if not addressed promptly. The course equips teachers with skills to handle situations such as injuries, fainting, choking, burns, and other common medical emergencies.
By instilling these practical skills, the government aims to create a culture of safety and responsibility among educators. The availability of first aid-trained teachers in classrooms will significantly reduce response time in emergencies and improve student outcomes during critical situations.
Leveraging Online Learning for Teacher Development
The MOOC-based delivery of the course ensures accessibility and flexibility for teachers, allowing them to complete the training without disrupting regular school schedules. Online modules will provide interactive lessons, video demonstrations, and scenario-based exercises to enhance practical understanding.
Additionally, the course structure allows teachers to revisit content and assessments, ensuring that learning is reinforced and concepts are well understood. This online approach not only saves time and resources but also enables widespread implementation across all government and private schools in Delhi.
Mandatory Compliance and Assessment Criteria
SCERT has mandated that all teachers must participate in the training to ensure uniform preparedness across schools. The assessment system is designed to gauge both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of first aid.
Teachers must achieve a minimum of 70% in all assessments to successfully complete the programme. This ensures a high standard of competency and readiness. Failure to meet the criteria may require teachers to re-attempt assessments, reinforcing the government’s commitment to comprehensive training.
The certificate obtained after successful completion will serve as official recognition of a teacher’s capability in first aid, which may also be considered during performance reviews or professional evaluations.
A Step Towards Safer Educational Environments
The launch of this online first aid training programme demonstrates the Delhi government’s proactive approach toward health and safety in schools. By making it mandatory, the government emphasizes that student safety is a priority and that teachers play a crucial role in maintaining a secure learning environment.
Moreover, this initiative complements the broader educational reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which stresses holistic development and well-being of students. With teachers trained to handle emergencies, schools are better positioned to provide safe and supportive learning spaces.
Conclusion
The Delhi government’s mandatory online first aid training for teachers is a forward-looking initiative that combines health preparedness with teacher professional development. By equipping educators with the knowledge, practical skills, and certification, the government ensures that schools are ready to tackle health emergencies effectively. Running from October 9 to 19, 2025, the MOOC-based programme represents a significant step toward creating a culture of safety and responsibility in Delhi’s educational institutions.
Teachers’ active participation and successful completion of the course will not only benefit students but also strengthen the overall preparedness of schools in facing medical emergencies, reinforcing the importance of first aid in education.
