Fun Run First Aid Station Simulation
Half the class runs a fun run on a loop while the other half sets up and staffs a first aid station, receiving runners with issues written on cards. Students practice organizing basic event medical coverage, simple triage and responding to common race injuries.
How to play
- Setup (4 min): mark a 300-yard loop with cones; the medical group sets up the station with a first-aid kit, a waiting area and a care area and assigns roles with pinnies.
- Runners wear race bibs and go at a comfortable pace; as they pass, the teacher hands some a scenario card: blister, dizziness, cramp, fall with a scrape or chest pain.
- Anyone with a card walks to the station and acts it out; the check-in volunteer asks what's wrong and assigns a priority: minor, wait or urgent.
- Medics provide care according to the card, log the bib number and treatment, and decide whether the runner returns, withdraws or a 911 call is simulated.
- Run a 10-minute block, then switch runners and medics for another 10-minute block.
- Wrap-up (6 min): each station presents its log, the class checks whether priorities were right and discusses what was missing from the kit.
Rules
- Runners go at a comfortable pace in one direction only.
- Incidents are acted out: nobody throws themselves to the ground.
- Chest pain is always urgent.
- The station keeps a clear lane for runners to come and go.
Variations
Easier
Only three incident types, with the priority printed on the card.
Standard
Five incident types with triage decided by the station.
Harder
Two urgent runners arrive at once, and the station must split resources and call 911.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can run check-in and the station log.
- Shy students: handle logging and supply prep before caring for runners.
- Lower fitness: alternate running and walking and be an early incident runner.
Learning goals
- Organize a basic first aid station for a sports event.
- Prioritize care based on how serious each case is.
- Log and report the care provided.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 15
- race bibs: 13
- scenario cards: 20
- first-aid kit: 2
- pinnies: 12
Teacher tip
This is ideal before a school charity run: students can then staff a real support station. Make sure urgent cards don't wait to be seen.
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