Saving Lives Starts Early: Nurse-Led First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training for High School Students...

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation refers to the emergency procedure performed in response to a sudden loss of consciousness with cessation of breathing and cardiac activity. It requires immediate interventions including airway management, ventilation, chest compressions, and defibrillation. According to the World Health Organization, with ischemic heart disease responsible for 13% of global mortality, widespread cardiopulmonary resuscitation training is critical, particularly outside health care settings. School and community nursing provide an effective platform to educate young people, reinforce the chain of survival, and promote health literacy in educational environments.

This study aimed to determine whether structured theoretical-practical workshops enhance cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge and self-efficacy among high school and university students compared with a control group and explore associations with sociodemographic variables.

A quasi-experimental design was used. Nursing-led workshops were delivered in high schools and universities, with pre- and postintervention assessments measuring cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge and self-perceived competence. The sample comprised 472 participants aged 12 to 74 years (mean = 21.27; SD = 12.54 years).

Participants exhibited significant improvements in cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge and confidence after the intervention. Gains exceeded those observed in the control group and were consistent across sociodemographic subgroups.

Nursing-led educational interventions in school and university settings substantially improve cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge and self-efficacy, enhancing preparedness for cardiac emergencies. Integrating such programs into educational curricula supports the chain of survival, strengthens community resilience, and aligns with public health priorities for early intervention and prevention.