Abstract :
Knowledge of first aid, which constitutes life-saving treatments for injuries or unexpected illnesses, is important for every individual at every age. First aid and basic life support are so important that teaching basic first aid should be compulsory in all schools. According to world health organization (WHO), injuries related to traffic accidents were ninth among the first 10 causes of global disease burden in 1990. They are expected to be ranked in third place after ischemic cardiac disease and unipolar major depression in 2020. Basic first aid training prepares students to react to situations and provide immediate, efficient management for a wide variety of incidents. Providing of knowledge and training about correct management of injuries and illnesses to students is important to improve their health knowledge which in turn may lead to healthy and save life. It is necessary to strengthen school health services through full participation of teachers and educators, providing them training sessions and update them by regularly interacting with them. Literature demonstrates that the widespread dissemination of first aid may have benefits for injury prevention in terms of reducing traffic crashes, lowering rates of workplace incidents, and increasing safety awareness. The present study revealed a perceived need for knowledge regarding first aid among school students and thus advocates that first-aid education should be made compulsory in school syllabus. It is reasonable to conclude that the ultimate goal of the first aid is neither to treat, nor to diagnose, but to stabilize the patient.
Keyword :
First aid, Knowledge, Training, Awareness, School children