[Attitude of students of high schools in Lublin towards the problem of first aid]

Properly administered first aid--restoration of upper respiratory tract patency, pulmonary-circulatory resuscitation, massive internal bleeding arrest, placement of the victim in safe position--may save the lives of many victims of accidents. Everybody should know first aid principles and administer it before paramedics arrive. The aim of the study was to find out the opinion of high school students on first aid in emergency cases, determint to what extent young people are prepared to administer first aid as well as evaluate of actual way of training young people in schools. The survey study included 642 students of 3rd class of randomly chosen high schools in Lublin. Students filled in anonymous questionnaire with single choice answers. 571 respondents (89%) claimed that citizens of Lublin are not prepared to administer first aid in emergency cases. According to them only a small number of witnesses start first aid procedures. Lack of knowledge as well as disbelief in one's skills stop those who would like to help from taking part in rescue procedures. The results of the study show that almost 80% of respondents know how important first aid is. Only 21% undertakes first aid procedures at the scene of an accident. 67% claimed that their skills are insufficient. Unfortunately the level of first aid training is very poor. Student do not learn practical skills. Training should start in primary school and continue in adult life in the place of work. It should be conducted by physicians using the most modern didactic devices.