The Korean UK Medical Association (KUMA) hosted its second annual Children’s Health Awareness Day on Saturday 21st June 2025, at the London Korean School (LKS) in South London. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s programme focused on equipping primary and secondary school students with essential knowledge and practical skills for breathing difficulties, calling 999, and managing an unconscious person.
In addition to KUMA members, we also had the pleasure of having KUMAS (Korean UK Medical Association Students) members join us this year in volunteering as small group session leaders.
The day featured two different interactive programmes, tailored to different age groups. These sessions were delivered in a combination of didactic teaching, followed by interactive small group teaching led by KUMA/KUMAS members.
The first session, designed for younger students, centred on asthma and anaphylaxis. Children learned to recognise the signs and symptoms of asthma, as well as the correct use of an inhaler, practising with dummy asthma inhalers under guidance. This was followed by teaching on anaphylaxis and practising using dummy adrenaline auto-injectors (EpiPens) safely and effectively. While a handful of students had handled these devices before, for most it was their first experience — and they embraced the opportunity with keen enthusiasm.
The second session introduced students to the fundamentals of Basic Life Support (BLS), including how to call 999, assess an unconscious person, and perform CPR. Building on the popularity of last year’s CPR simulation, this year’s cohort of children were just as eager to learn, practising chest compressions on training mannequins under the guidance of KUMA/KUMAS members. The session culminated in an exciting competition, with small groups nominating leaders to demonstrate their CPR technique. Children selected as leaders received a well-deserved certificate of recognition, presented by the KUMA President.
Older students also received additional teaching on the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) — learning how to spot them in public places and understanding their role in a cardiac arrest scenario. They practised applying training defibrillator pads to mannequins, gaining valuable confidence in using these life-saving devices.
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As the day drew to a close, many students expressed newfound confidence in recognising emergencies, CPR technique and using life-saving equipment such as the EpiPens. Some of the older students also showed curiosity about careers in healthcare, asking questions about the path to studying medicine to KUMA members.
KUMA’s Children’s Health Awareness Day 2025 was, once again, a resounding success thanks to the enthusiasm and engagement of both students and teachers. KUMA remains committed to providing a platform for health education within the Korean community, and looks forward to future opportunities to collaborate with KUMAS to inspire and empower the next generation.
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written by
David Park
Website Content Officer
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Tiffany Kwon
Website/Creative Officer