Pupils Call for Compulsory First Aid Training, Particularly Resuscitation, in Educational Institutions - School-Based Revival of Red Cross Courses Advocated by Youth Red Cross
Revised Article
German Youth Red Cross Urges for Comprehensive CPR Training in Schools
The German Youth Red Cross (JRK) has emphasized the necessity of teaching students how to resuscitate individuals in emergencies. Marcel Bösel, the federal leader of the Youth Red Cross, advocated for the integration of layperson CPR training in schools, ideally starting from the 7th grade, during a recent interview with the German Press Agency on the organization's 100th anniversary.
Bösel suggested providing two hours of layperson CPR training per year in schools to adequately cover the topic and demonstrate its simplicity in saving lives with minimal effort. However, while the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs has advocated for the inclusion of the topic since 2014, comprehensive implementation remains pending. First aid with a primary focus on CPR continues to be taught infrequently in schools.
Bösel indicated that financial resources and political will might partially explain the delay in implementation. The Youth Red Cross aims to train as many children and young people in first aid as possible, particularly through school health services.
The importance of first aid knowledge is underscored, especially in cases of cardiac arrest, where every minute counts and nearest medical professionals may not always be immediately available. Studies suggest that extensive lives could be saved if layperson CPR training were implemented. People often experience uncertainty in emergencies, and injuries can occur in various settings, such as schools, during leisure time, or at home.
Founded on May 27, 1925, the German Youth Red Cross currently boasts approximately 160,000 members between the ages of 6 and 27, with membership numbers increasing by 20,000 last year, according to Bösel. Some 45,000 young people are actively engaged in school health services nationwide. Despite a high demand for membership, Bösel noted a potential future shortage of leaders due to a waning appeal of leadership roles in society.
The lack of legislation, inconsistent implementation, limited funding and resources, educational priorities, and cultural and administrative barriers contribute to the sluggish progress in making CPR training mandatory in most German schools. While countries like Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Portugal, and the UK have made CPR training legally binding in schools, Germany relies on voluntary efforts.
- In light of the benefits demonstrated by extensive lives saved, the German Youth Red Cross (JRK) urges for the inclusion of vocational training in first aid, particularly layperson CPR, as a part of health-and-wellness education-and-self-development in schools.
- Recognizing the critical role of mental health in overall well-being, the German Youth Red Cross (JRK) extends its advocacy to promote community policy that includes vocational training in mental health awareness and coping strategies as part of science and learning curricula.
- As part of its commitment to education-and-self-development, the German Youth Red Cross (JRK) has implemented vocational training programs in various areas, including vocational training in health-and-wellness, vocational training in science, and vocational training in mental health within its school health services.
