‘The year of first aid’: effectiveness of a 3-day first aid programme for 7-14-year-old primary school children

Abstract

Aim of the studyBystanders can play an important role in the event of sudden injury or illness. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of a 3-day first aid course for all primary school age groups (7–14 years old).Methods582 school children were involved in the study. Training consisted of three sessions with transfer of theoretical knowledge and practical skills about first aid. The following most urgent situations were addressed in our study: adult basic life support (BLS), using an automated external defibrillator (AED), handling an unconscious patient, managing bleeding and calling the ambulance. Data collection was made with a questionnaire developed for the study and observation. Students were tested before, immediately after and 4 months after training. Results were considered significant in case of p<0.05.ResultsPrior to training there was a low level of knowledge and skills on BLS, management of the unconscious patient, use of an AED and management of bleeding. Knowledge and skills improved significantly in all of these categories (p<0.01) and remained significantly higher than the pre-test level at 4 months after training (p<0.01). Younger children overall performed less well than older children, but significantly improved over the pre-test level both immediately and 4 months after training (p<0.01). Prior first aid training was associated with knowledge of the correct ambulance number (p=0.015) and management of bleeding (p=0.041). Prior to training, age was associated with pre-test knowledge and skills of all topics (p<0.01); after training, it was only associated with AED use (p<0.001). There was a significant correlation between the depth of chest compression and children’s age, weight, height and body mass index (p<0.001). Ventilation depended on the same factors (p<0.001).ConclusionChildren aged 7–14 years are able to perform basic life-saving skills. Knowledge retention after 4 months is good for skills, but thinking in algorithms is difficult for these children.

40 The long term effects of a 3-day first aid programme for 7–14 years old primary school children

“…Method This study was a 15 months follow-up of our previous investigation. 1 Five-hundred twenty-four primary school children were involved in this study (288 girls and 236 boys). Measurements were made in the following topics: adult basic life support, using an automated external defibrillator, handling an unconscious patient, managing bleeding and calling the ambulance.…”

Bystander CPR: New aspects of CPR training among students and the importance of bystander education level on survival

“…13,89,90,106 Age for CPR training Children from five to seven years of age are able to learn to recognize CA and initiate an emergency call. 13,89,120 There is a significant correlation between age, weight and height on chest compression depth. [120][121][122][123] According to Uhm et al, a body weight of 50 kg (about 13-14 years) is usually required to provide a chest compression depth of at least 38 mm.…”

“…13,89,120 There is a significant correlation between age, weight and height on chest compression depth. [120][121][122][123] According to Uhm et al, a body weight of 50 kg (about 13-14 years) is usually required to provide a chest compression depth of at least 38 mm. 122 However, even younger children can learn the theory of the technique of chest compressions, which can have a positive long-term effect on practical skills.…”

“…Limited knowledge on performing rescue breaths has also been reported by several previous studies. 95,96,100,120 In most of the interventions, a large proportion of students also failed to apply the correct compression and ventilation ratio (18-45% at six months). A contributing factor may be that students who find it difficult to perform rescue breaths make repeated attempts and thus lose the correct compression/ventilation ratio.…”

“…122 However, even younger children can learn the theory of the technique of chest compressions, which can have a positive long-term effect on practical skills. 120,121 School children (aged 12 years or younger) generally have a positive attitude towards learning resuscitation. 12 …”