Effectiveness of First-Aid and Basic Life Support Intervention Program on School Health Advisors

Abstract

Background: school environment is the best expected setting for emergency instances that deserves first aid measures. Aim: The aim of the present study is to assess the effect of an intervention program regarding first-aid (FA) and basic life support (BLS) on the knowledge and practice of school health advisors. Methods: A quazi-experimental research design was conducted on 168 randomly selected female participants who were working in different governmental primary, preparatory and secondary schools in Unaizah city, Qassim Province, KSA. Knowledge and practice of the studied participants were tested before applying a program for FA and BLS using an interview questionnaire. Immediately after the program application, their knowledge and practice were retested using the same questionnaire and a gain after 6 months interval. Results: The findings revealed that 44.1% of the study sample had secondary education. Only 22% among the study group were previously attended training about FA and BLS. The study participants, generally, had poor knowledge and incorrect situational practice in the pretest. A statistically significant improvement was shown in the knowledge and practice at post and follow-up tests. Conclusion: First aid and basic life support intervention program showed a significant effect in the form of a remarkable increase in the participants’ level of knowledge and practice. Recommendation: Training programs about FA and BLS should be adopted as an element of the services offered to school health advisors and updated at regular intervals.

Keywords: first aid, basic life support, school health advisor, an intervention program.