The effectiveness of schoolteachers as first aid instructors

Abstract

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of specialised personnel versus schoolteachers in delivering first aid teaching and trauma management to children aged 4–8 years in Greece.

Methods:

An experimental study with an educational intervention was conducted, involving three groups of children: a control group which received no special teaching, and two experimental groups which received teaching by either regular teachers or specialised personnel. The study comprised 180 students with an average age of 6 years. Four repeated measurements were taken in the experimental groups, while the control group underwent a single measurement. An assessment of the children’s first aid knowledge and skills was undertaken using scenario-based observations with checklists and questionnaires.

Results:

Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in children’s first aid knowledge and skills between the two experimental groups (p > .05). Participants in both teaching groups demonstrated significant improvements after teaching and maintained these skills at subsequent follow-ups (p < .05).

Conclusion:

The study findings suggest that teacher-led first aid teaching can be as effective as teaching by specialised personnel for young children aged 4–8 years. Integrating first aid education into schools, delivered by teachers, can be a cost-effective approach to imparting valuable life-saving skills. These findings contribute to efforts in enhancing community safety by ensuring broad-based preparedness to respond to emergencies.