Why First Aid Training Is So Important as a Pole Instructor
Simone Muscat
29th April 2025
Why First Aid Training Is So Important as a Pole Instructor
It was supposed to be a fun, upbeat class.
We were laughing, the energy was high, and I was mid-air, demonstrating a move on the silks to another student. Then I heard the scream.
I looked down—and everything shifted in an instant.
She was on the floor, her arm twisted unnaturally behind her. When she rolled over, it lay limp at her side, and I could see her humerus—her upper arm bone—protruding from under the skin.
It was a shocking and serious moment that no one in the room will forget. The mood changed instantly, and the fear in her eyes made it very clear how urgent the situation was. I descended from the silks as quickly as I could while students gathered around her, panicking and unsure what to do.
This is when my first aid training kicked in.
Even though the fall was from less than two metres onto a 30cm crash mat, she’d landed in a way that caused a serious injury. She was going in and out of consciousness, likely from the shock and the visual of her own arm.
I knew what I had to do.
I told everyone to step back to give her space. I asked one student to get our receptionist and instructed her to call an ambulance, asking her to let me know as soon as it was confirmed help was on the way. Another student brought me a towel, which I used to cover the injury. Every time she saw her arm, she became more distressed, and covering it helped her stay calm.
I didn’t move her. My training had taught me that there could be other injuries—especially to her spine—and it was safer to keep her still unless absolutely necessary. She was conscious, aware, and in visible shock, but we kept her talking, reassured her, and made her as comfortable as we could while waiting for the ambulance.
Most importantly, we prevented further harm. By keeping her still, shielding her from distressing visuals, and staying with her through the shock, we supported her in every way we could until the professionals arrived.
Why Every Pole Instructor Needs First Aid Training
While pole dance is an incredibly empowering and athletic sport, we cannot overlook the fact that it is physically demanding and inherently risky. We’re often working at height, sometimes inverted, and placing significant strain on our bodies. Accidents, while rare, can happen. And when they do, how you respond can make a massive difference.
Here’s why first aid training is not optional as a pole instructor —it’s essential:
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You become the calm in the storm
In emergencies, people panic. As an instructor, your energy sets the tone. First aid training teaches you how to stay grounded, take charge, and manage the chaos, even when adrenaline is pumping.
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You can assess the situation quickly and accurately
Understanding the basics of injury assessment helps you avoid doing more harm. In my case, not moving the student unnecessarily was crucial.
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You know how to give immediate, appropriate care
Even simple actions—covering an injury, elevating legs, helping with breathing—can make a huge difference in a student’s comfort and recovery.
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You protect your students and your studio
Being trained means you are prepared, but it also shows your commitment to student safety. This professionalism builds trust and strengthens your reputation as a teacher and business.
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You’re legally and ethically prepared
Depending on your country, holding a valid first aid certificate may be a legal requirement. But beyond that, it’s a moral responsibility when people are trusting you with their bodies.
What I Learned
That day reminded me just how valuable first aid training is—not just for the technical knowledge, but for the confidence it gives you to act. It allowed me to move through a terrifying situation with purpose, to protect a student in pain, and to support everyone else in the room. The experience was traumatic—but it could have been worse if no one had known what to do.
If you’re a pole instructor and you’ve been putting off your first aid course, let this be your sign. Take the training. Refresh it regularly. You may never need it—but if you do, it could be the most important thing you’ve ever learned.
Author: Michelle Qubrosi
Date: 29/04/25
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