KIDS SAVE LIVES: Basic Life Support Education for Schoolchildren: A Narrative Review and Scientific Statement From the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Basic life support education for schoolchildren has become a key initiative to increase bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates. Our objective was to review the existing literature on teaching schoolchildren basic life support to identify the best practices to provide basic life support training in schoolchildren. METHODS: After topics and subgroups were defined, a comprehensive literature search was conducted. Systematic reviews and controlled and uncontrolled prospective and retrospective studies containing data on students <20 years of age were included. RESULTS: Schoolchildren are highly motivated to learn basic life support. The CHECK-CALL-COMPRESS algorithm is recommended for all schoolchildren. Regular training in basic life support regardless of age consolidates long-term skills. Young children from 4 years of age are able to assess the first links in the chain of survival. By 10 to 12 years of age, effective chest compression depths and ventilation volumes can be achieved on training manikins. A combination of theoretical and practical training is recommended. Schoolteachers serve as effective basic life support instructors. Schoolchildren also serve as multipliers by passing on basic life support skills to others. The use of age-appropriate social media tools for teaching is a promising approach for schoolchildren of all ages. CONCLUSIONS: Schoolchildren basic life support training has the potential to educate whole generations to respond to cardiac arrest and to increase survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Comprehensive legislation, curricula, and scientific assessment are crucial to further develop the education of schoolchildren in basic life support.

Education of schoolchildren in cardiopulmonary resuscitation – overview of the current literature

“…However, it could be demonstrated that schoolchildren from the age of 4 to 7 years can adequately make an emergency call [33–35] or follow the instructions of an automatic external defibrillator [36,37]. In addition to that, several authors describe that a playful approach in terms of CPR at early ages promotes motivation and interest in schoolchildren under 12 years [5 ▪▪ ,33–37]. Comprehensibly, annual repetition leads to a consolidation of practical CPR-skills, which sustainably increases the willingness and self-confidence related to the initialization of resuscitation measures in later years [38–40].…”

“…Comprehensibly, annual repetition leads to a consolidation of practical CPR-skills, which sustainably increases the willingness and self-confidence related to the initialization of resuscitation measures in later years [38–40]. Therefore, expert associations recommend starting CPR training under the age of 12 years [5 ▪▪ ].…”

“…Resuscitation manoeuvres are complex psychomotoric challenges for schoolchildren that require practical training and repetition [5 ▪▪ ,41]. Studies of chest compression-depth and rate in schoolchildren show high deviations [4,29,42–45].…”

“…Studies of chest compression-depth and rate in schoolchildren show high deviations [4,29,42–45]. The decisive factor for effective chest compressions with a pressure depth of 5–6 cm seems to be a sufficient body weight of approximately 40–50 kg, which is usually reached earlier in boys than in girls [5 ▪▪ ,28,46]. However, large differences in the thoracic resistance of resuscitation manikins from different manufacturers impede teaching CPR to schoolchildren and evaluating the learning success respectively [5 ▪▪ ,47].…”

“…It has been demonstrated that recognition of cardiac arrest and initiation of CPR can be learned and replicated by schoolchildren [4,5 ▪▪ ]. In 2015, the World Health Organization recommends training of schoolchildren in CPR at a rate of 2 h per year [2 ▪▪ ,6–9].…”