I recently went out on the first aid aisle to help a woman find a triangular bandage. Embarassingly we don't STOCK them, but that's not the moral of the story! On further conversation, she told me it was for a supply list for her son....I could have SWORN she said for school! And he was with her, a little bugger, no more than third grade.

I should have asked her for a copy of the list, and which school was preparedness-oriented enough to require it. But anyway, I *know* she needed the bandage, alcohol hand sanitizer, ice packs, and a flashlight with extra batteries. I relished helping her pick out items I would send my nephew to school with. But she was less than thrilled about having to do it at all....ah well.

So am I deaf, was it not for regular school? Is anyone else out there hearing about this? I guess it could be a financial burden on poor families, but I still think it's a good idea. While a school SHOULD have good 1st aid supplies, at least this way ensures that there WILL be supplies for each child. And if the flash w/extra batteries item is an indication, for maybe more than basic first aid too!

Most schools are at least asking for hand sanitizer that I have worked at, because kids won't have to go to restroom as much. As far as the other items, I don't know. I try to keep FA / Emergency items in my classroom; on top of what I carry in my personal FAK/EDC. Items such as flashlight, cpr mask, larger bandages, hand sanitizer, etc. Of course my large FAK/SK is kept in my P/U outside the back door.

I've got a family member that teaches that grade level and I've never heard of kids bringing more than boogers and backpacks. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

If the school is asking for all those items, I'd be asking some pointed questions at the next school meeting. What school doesn't have band-aids and just who do they think is going to need a sling for a broken arm?

And at that rate, EVERY kid with a potential broken arm, etc? Hmm... strange.

My wife is a teacher and so far at both of the schools shes taught at the standard gear is boogers and backpacks. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I highly doubt that the school is trying to save on bandaids. Can you imagine the liability of the school saying "Johnie forgot his FAK, so tuff nuggies!"? My guess is they are trying to raise awareness of being prepared, and if so, it sounds like a great idea to me. After all, don't we all bemoan the fact that so many people don't realize they should be prepared for things?

-john