Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training Programs to Schoolchildren: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Background: First aid is now widely recognized as a crucial life skill, particularly in emergency situations where it can be lifesaving. School-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training programs have become integral to comprehensive education, providing students with practical skills to respond to medical emergencies both in and out of school settings. This article delves into the importance, advantages, obstacles, and suggestions for implementing these programs.

Method: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines meticulously. Thorough searches were conducted in major databases like PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and PLOS, covering January to August 2023. The main aim was to assess the effectiveness of school-based CPR training programs for students aged 4 to 18. Inclusion criteria included studies with experimental designs providing first aid training to children and evaluating outcomes related to knowledge, skills, behaviour, or confidence.

Results: A comprehensive collection of sixty-three articles contributed to this review. Systematic analyses collectively provide evidence that the introduction of CPR training programs within educational settings is reinforced by experimental evidence. Predominantly situated within the past decade, the results showed a collective shift towards prioritizing CPR education among schoolchildren. Altogether, the program displays effectiveness in augmenting first aid expertise both immediately and, in long-term following training.

Conclusions: The synthesis of sixty-three studies reveals video simulation as the predominant pedagogical method in CPR training. Evaluation focuses largely on subjective measures, emphasizing the exploratory nature of assessments. The study emphasizes the crucial role of CPR training for well-prepared citizens, advocating integration into curricula despite implementation challenges.