[Parents' first aid knowledge and educational expectations based on a study conducted in Győr-Moson-Sopron county]

Childhood injuries are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide and in Hungary. The quality of first aid provided by laypeople has a fundamental impact on survival rates.

To assess parents' knowledge of first aid, to explore their need for further practical training, and to determine whom they consider the most reliable source of such knowledge.

During our quantitative research conducted in Győr-Moson-Sopron county, we used a self-designed, online, anonymous questionnaire (n = 545) and performed descriptive statistical analyses. Associations were examined using the chi-square test and binary logistic regression (p<0.05).

The majority of parents (94.3%) possess basic, primarily theoretical first aid knowledge; however, this knowledge is often incomplete or outdated. The greatest deficiencies were in the practical application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and in the airway obstruction caused by foreign bodies. The majority of respondents (93.4%) would be willing to learn from paramedics (84.9%), health visitor (60%), registered nurses (57.6%), physicians (56.4%). Based on the association analyses, first aid experience gained in real-life emergency situations was significantly associated with self-reported willingness to intervene (p = 0.012) as well as with a more favorable self-assessment of first aid competence (p<0.001). According to the results of the binary logistic regression, having an official, examination-based first aid qualification was an independent predictor of having provided first aid in a real-life emergency situation; among respondents without such qualification, the odds of providing first aid were reduced by approximately half (OR = 0.516; p = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.345-0.774).

The goal is to clarify the knowledge of parents and provide training in practical skills from professionals. Both formal first aid training and practical experience play a decisive role in shaping the willingness to intervene in real-life emergency situations as well as self-confidence. These findings support the need for structured, practice-oriented first aid education among parents. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(7): 265-273.