Should children be taught CPR in schools?
A study showed, every year, over 20,000 people suffer Out-Of-Hospital-Cardiac-Arrest only in Australia. The wait for medical aid takes thousands of lives each year in a medical emergency such as cardiac arrest, every second matter. CPR at the earliest can enhance the chance of survival of the patient up to three folds. Therefore, common people need to know basic CPR techniques.
In countries where CPR training is mandated in schools, it can save more lives than others. All government-aided schools in the UK are required to provide Basic CPR training to their students.
When are students ready to learn CPR in school?
Students at the age of nine have enough body strength to perform CPR on a patient. However, students younger than that may not possess the required body strength to perform CPR. Most schools today propose to teach CPR to students who are fit for the training. It is mostly taught as a part of physical education.
What are the benefits of learning CPR in school?
CPR is a life survival process, and when the skill is taught at institutions like schools, it becomes much more effective. The number of people to act in an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest situation increases, thus decreasing the mortality rate caused by OHCA.
First aid training for school students
Learning only CPR techniques is not enough. We can encounter a basic injury anytime in our lives, and thus children should be taught the basic first aid process. Training for first aid can be provided to students who are about to complete their primary schooling. They will be taught:
- How to handle common injuries
- How to efficiently call the health emergency service when in need
When students come to the end of their secondary schools, they will be accustomed to the:
- Basic treatment for common injuries
- A life-saving skill such as CPR
Who can teach CPR and first aid to students?
CPR and first aid training can be provided by school teachers who have themselves completed such certifications. However, if the school wants to award each student with a certificate of completing such training, it is advisable to reach out to a training centre.
How much time do CPR and first aid training consume?
A CPR and first aid skill training can take as little as 45 minutes to 2 hours. The time mainly depends upon what is taught to the students within the course. Here are a few suggestions you must look for while taking a first aid course for school students.