The level of knowledge of primary school teachers about first aid

Abstract

Background. More than 70,000 accidents involving children occur in Poland every year. Frequency of body damage caused by accidents is rising notably in early school age. Major trauma is a cause of 40% of child deaths. That statistics show us importance of teachers having knowledge about first aid. Objectives. The purpose of the study is to examine the primary school teachers, knowledge about providing first aid at school. Material and methods. The study was carried out in 5 primary schools in Wrocław in 2015. Author used own survey questionnaire as a research tool. Using questions about the course of action in certain situations, the teachers’ knowledge about rules of conduct in sudden lifeand health-threatening situations was assessed. Results. Most teachers have acquired knowledge and skills during occupational safety and health (OSH) training, and the last of these classes took place about 20 months ago. A majority of them declared willingness of increasing knowledge in that subject. As many as 2/3 of responders evaluated their first aid skills as moderate and a significant group among questioned teachers already had opportunity to give first aid during work. Over 90% of respondents know the correct procedure in case of suspected joint sprain, as well as in case of burns and open bone fractures, and also demonstrate knowledge of the emergency number. The greatest difficulty for respondents is the treatment of massive bleeding from forearm wounds, as well as the principles of chest compressions in case of cardiac arrest. Conclusions. Nearly half of teachers feel the desire to broaden their first aid knowledge. Teachers underestimate the level of their first aid knowledge, which may have a negative impact on rescue efforts made by them. The obtained results illustrate the necessity of taking action to improve the current level of first aid knowledge among primary school teachers.