Article Impact Level: HIGH Data Quality: STRONG Summary of Circulation, CIR.0000000000001128. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001128 Daniel C. Schroeder et al.
Points
- Basic life support (BLS) education for schoolchildren is vital to increase bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates and improve survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
- Schoolchildren show high motivation to learn BLS techniques, and training in BLS should be provided regularly to consolidate long-term skills.
- The recommended CHECK-CALL-COMPRESS algorithm is suitable for all schoolchildren, and even young children as young as four can grasp the initial steps in the chain of survival.
- By ages 10 to 12, schoolchildren can achieve effective chest compression depths and ventilation volumes on training manikins, emphasizing the importance of practical training alongside theoretical knowledge.
- Schoolteachers serve as effective BLS instructors, and schoolchildren can act as multipliers by passing on their BLS skills to others. Age-appropriate social media tools show promise in BLS education for schoolchildren of all ages.
Summary
Increasing bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates through basic life support (BLS) education for schoolchildren has emerged as a crucial initiative. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of existing literature on teaching BLS to schoolchildren to identify the best practices for delivering effective BLS training in this age group. The research methodology involved a systematic search encompassing systematic reviews, controlled and uncontrolled prospective, and retrospective studies focusing on students under 20.
The review’s findings highlight the strong motivation exhibited by schoolchildren in learning BLS techniques. The recommended CHECK-CALL-COMPRESS algorithm applies to all schoolchildren. Long-term retention of BLS skills is enhanced through regular training, regardless of age. Even young children as young as four can grasp the initial steps in the chain of survival. By ages 10 to 12, schoolchildren can achieve effective chest compression depths and ventilation volumes using training manikins. The review emphasizes the importance of a combined theoretical and practical training approach, with schoolteachers identified as effective BLS instructors. Additionally, schoolchildren can act as multipliers by sharing their acquired BLS skills with others. Using age-appropriate social media tools shows promise in BLS education across different age groups.
Implementing BLS training for schoolchildren holds significant potential in equipping future generations to respond to cardiac arrest and enhancing survival rates following out-of-hospital cardiac events. To maximize the impact of such initiatives, it is crucial to develop comprehensive legislation, curricula, and scientific assessments. These measures will contribute to advancing BLS education for schoolchildren, ensuring its effectiveness and sustainability. By fostering an environment that supports widespread BLS training, we can empower schoolchildren to make a meaningful difference in saving lives during critical emergencies.
Link to the article: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001128
References Schroeder, D. C., Semeraro, F., Greif, R., Bray, J., Morley, P., Parr, M., Kondo Nakagawa, N., Iwami, T., Finke, S.-R., Malta Hansen, C., Lockey, A., Del Rios, M., Bhanji, F., Sasson, C., Schexnayder, S. M., Scquizzato, T., Wetsch, W. A., Böttiger, B. W., & on behalf of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. (2023). Kids save lives: Basic life support education for schoolchildren: a narrative review and scientific statement from the international liaison committee on resuscitation. Circulation, CIR.0000000000001128. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001128
