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. 2016:2016:2647235.
doi: 10.1155/2016/2647235. Epub 2016 Nov 13.

Teaching Life-Saving Manoeuvres in Primary School

Sara Calicchia  1 , Giovanna Cangiano  1 , Silvia Capanna  1 , Mariangela De Rosa  1 , Bruno Papaleo  1
Affiliations

Teaching Life-Saving Manoeuvres in Primary School

Sara Calicchia et al. Biomed Res Int. 2016.

Abstract

Introduction. In the event of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) early intervention provided by a layperson can be life-saving. Teaching first aid in primary school may increase the lifelong ability and motivation of young people to take action in an emergency. Objective. The aim of this article is to report a training experience on BLSD (Basic Life Support and Defibrillation) designed for a group of pupils in an Italian primary school, with assessment of its effectiveness at a distance. Methods. The assessment was carried out using a multiple choice questionnaire on a sample of 130 pupils aged 11-12, 62 trained in BLSD and 68 as a control group. The trained group also performed an emergency simulation to assess their learning of practical skills. Results. Using the t test, significant differences emerged in the questionnaire scores between the case-control group. The results of the skill test were positive, even for the most difficult manoeuvres such as opening airways, assessing breathing, or using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Conclusion. Although there are still some open questions regarding the ability to retain these skills in the medium/long term, the study shows that life-saving manoeuvres can be effectively taught to primary school pupils.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Percentage of manoeuvres correct, prompted, and incorrect.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Call to the emergency number (percentage).
Figure 3
Figure 3
AED use results (percentage).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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