Erste-Hilfe-Ausbildung in der Grundschule

To shorten the interval between the occurrence of an emergency situation when the patient remains without treatment until the time when therapeutic measures can be initiated, in Germany improved training particularly for laypersons is necessary. Although a large proportion of the population has already participated in a first aid course, there is much uncertainty over how to proceed. Repeated teaching units, begun early and adapted to the various age groups, serve as countermeasures. Thus, a project was developed in the Saarland involving the on-site educators who teach the first basic principles of first aid. The project is aimed specifically at shortening the time interval when the injured receive no treatment and deals with the topics of emergency call, monitoring and maintaining vital functions, and organization of emergency medical services. The present article describes initial experiences gathered during implementation of the project.