Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: Teaching children life-saving first aid techniques can prepare them to save lives when necessary. Therefore, the Youth Department of the Belgian Red Cross-Flanders develops first aid educational materials geared towards children of different ages (6–18 years). In Belgium, first aid training is present in the primary school curricula and training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a requirement for high school graduation. We aim to train students with additional life-saving first aid techniques, such as using an automated external defibrillator (AED), and strive for addition of these techniques to the objectives of the required school curricula.
Objectives: The objective was to use published literature and experts’ opinion to develop evidence-based guidelines which together form the basis for educational materials for children of different ages. The emphasis of the guidelines was on seven life-saving techniques, including the use of an AED.
Methods: Studies were identified through electronic databases research (The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase) and were included those observing children’s AED use or comparing different methods of AED training to children (max 18 years old). Experimental and observational studies were included and evaluated. A multidisciplinary guideline development group, including experts from different fields (a methodological expert, a child psychologist, a doctor in education, an educational adviser and medical doctors) and target users (school teachers from first/second grade; community and catholic schools), formulated their practice experience and expert opinion and discussed the available evidence.
Results: Five separate studies were included. Recommendations were derived after carefully discussing the currently available evidence in the literature and balancing the skills and attitudes of children of different ages.
Conclusions: A guideline development group provided evidence-based recommendations concerning teaching life support skills, such as AED use, to schoolchildren. Based on these recommendations Red Cross Youth formulated objectives for each age group and developed first aid educational materials.
Objectives: The objective was to use published literature and experts’ opinion to develop evidence-based guidelines which together form the basis for educational materials for children of different ages. The emphasis of the guidelines was on seven life-saving techniques, including the use of an AED.
Methods: Studies were identified through electronic databases research (The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase) and were included those observing children’s AED use or comparing different methods of AED training to children (max 18 years old). Experimental and observational studies were included and evaluated. A multidisciplinary guideline development group, including experts from different fields (a methodological expert, a child psychologist, a doctor in education, an educational adviser and medical doctors) and target users (school teachers from first/second grade; community and catholic schools), formulated their practice experience and expert opinion and discussed the available evidence.
Results: Five separate studies were included. Recommendations were derived after carefully discussing the currently available evidence in the literature and balancing the skills and attitudes of children of different ages.
Conclusions: A guideline development group provided evidence-based recommendations concerning teaching life support skills, such as AED use, to schoolchildren. Based on these recommendations Red Cross Youth formulated objectives for each age group and developed first aid educational materials.