The Role of a First Aid Training Program for Young Children: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Many first aid programs have been conducted in schools, and researchers have identified that interventions improved students’ knowledge, skills, and attitude. This study examines the content, practices, and assessment of first aid interventions at primary schools and evaluates their effectiveness. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken. We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane library databases from January 1990 to December 2021 using the search terms: ‘’first aid’’ AND ‘’primary school children’’. School-based first aid training targeting 6 to 10 years old studies in English were eligible for inclusion. Results: We included 11 studies that were approached by experimental (n = 6) and by observational studies (n = 5). Researchers conducted interventions in Europe (n = 9) and America (n = 2). An essential part of the teaching was hands-on practice. Most studies included in their program cardiopulmonary resuscitation (n = 8) and basic life support (n = 7). The main findings showed that trained children have significantly better knowledge of and skills in first aid than those before or without training. Children under 11 years old were not strong enough to achieve the proper depth of chest compressions. Depth of chest compressions correlates with children’s age, weight, height (n = 2), and body mass index (n = 3). Conclusions The effectiveness of resuscitative or non-resuscitative first-aid training for primary school children improved students’ knowledge and skills. Subsequent research could investigate children’s reactions in actual first aid conditions.

ChokeSafe: Empowering Children with Life-Saving Choking-Management Skills

“…Educating children in first aid is crucial, and educators play a key role in this process [ 8 ]. The focus has primarily been on specialized personnel.…”

“…While numerous educational interventions have been developed for cardiopulmonary resuscitation [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ], studies specifically addressing choking management in younger children remain limited. In a study by Wafik and Tork, nursing students taught first aid skills to preparatory school children, focusing on how to respond when someone is choking [ 7 ].…”

First Aid Training at Early Childhood: A Review of Literature

“…This article conducted a literature review that investigated first aid programs in early childhood education. Many researchers have concentrated on teaching older students first aid (Cheng et al, 2021;Tse et al, 2023). Children in early childhood education, on the other hand, can learn basic safety behavior, attitude, skills, and knowledge that will serve them well in adulthood .…”

Schoolteachers Teach First Aid and Trauma Management to Young Primary School Children: An Experimental Study with Educational Intervention

“…Younger children may benefit from interactive games and activities that teach basic safety and first aid skills, while older children may be able to learn more advanced techniques and procedures. One effective way to teach first aid to children is through experiential learning [ 24 , 25 ]. This involves providing hands-on opportunities for children to practice first aid skills and respond to simulated emergency situations.…”