Emergency Response Station Circuit
A five-station circuit where each group handles a different emergency case: cardiac arrest, unconscious person, sprain, choking and a 911 call. Students bring together the first-aid skills learned in the unit, calm decision making and teamwork.
How to play
- Set up 5 stations, each with a case card: 1) CPR on a manikin; 2) unconscious but breathing; 3) sprained ankle; 4) choking (hand position only, no thrusts); 5) a simulated 911 call.
- Make 5 groups of 5 and assign each a starting station. Within each group, students take the roles of rescuer, helper, victim, observer and timer.
- Each group reads the case, acts it out for 4 minutes and the observer scores them with the card's checklist (Check, Call, Care plus the specific technique).
- On the whistle, the group resets the station and rotates clockwise in under 1 minute. Roles change at every station.
- After all 5 stations (about 25 minutes), each group shares which station gave them the most trouble.
- Finish with a final case that the teacher reads aloud, and the whole class calls out the correct steps together.
Rules
- For choking, only demonstrate hand position; never press on a classmate's abdomen.
- CPR compressions are done only on the manikin.
- The victim cooperates but can stop the action if anything is uncomfortable.
- Walk to the next station and leave each one tidy for the next group.
Variations
Easier
Use 3 stations (CPR, recovery position and the 911 call) with a step poster at each.
Standard
Complete all 5 stations with case cards and an observation checklist.
Harder
Add twists to the case, such as the victim stopping breathing mid-station or two injured people at once.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student takes the observer, timer or 911 caller role.
- Hearing impairment: write the cases on the cards and signal rotations visually.
- Anxiety: let the student start as observer for the first two stations before acting as rescuer.
Learning goals
- Apply basic first-aid protocols to different emergency cases.
- Make calm decisions in the right order at an emergency.
- Share roles and communicate clearly under pressure.
Equipment for a class of 25
- CPR manikins: 2
- mats: 5
- elastic bandages: 5
- challenge cards: 5
Teacher tip
Use this as your first-aid unit's final assessment. A helper at the CPR and choking stations greatly improves technique feedback.
PatioLab has "Emergency Response Station Circuit" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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