First aid training in secondary schools: A comparative study and implementation considerations

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Health Education

Background:

• School-based health education is crucial for adolescent well-being.
• First aid knowledge is vital for responding to injuries and emergencies like cardiac arrest.
• Current first aid training in schools may vary in effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a specific school-based first aid program (SPIY) compared to standard training and no training.
• To assess the retention of first aid knowledge among adolescents over a 12-month period.
• To explore student and teacher perceptions of first aid training methods.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design was employed.
• Three groups of students were compared: SPIY program, treatment-as-usual first aid, and a control group (no training).
• Knowledge scores were assessed at baseline and 12-month follow-up, controlling for prior knowledge.

Main Results:

• Students receiving first aid training (both SPIY and standard) demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores at 12 months compared to the control group.
• Knowledge retention was observed up to 12 months post-training.
• Positive perceptions of interactive and scenario-based first aid training were reported by teachers and students.

Conclusions:

• School-based first aid training, including programs like SPIY, is effective in enhancing and retaining adolescent health and safety knowledge.
• The findings support the integration and feasibility of comprehensive first aid training within secondary school curricula.
• Interactive and scenario-based approaches enhance engagement and learning in first aid education for youth.