A survey on first aid knowledge in members of Flemish youth movements

Abstract

Introduction A significant proportion of childhood deaths is caused by unintentional injury. Every weekend and during summer holidays, approximately 267.000 Flemish children follow youth movement activities and camps. During these activities, injuries have to be managed by the responsible leaders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the first aid knowledge in leaders of a youth movement. 

Methods We conducted an online survey, consisting of 15 hypothetical scenarios, on first aid knowledge in Flemish youth movements. Every individual score was matched with following variables: having followed a first aid course, having a high self-assessment of first aid knowledge and having a health related job/study. 

Results Among the 2784 participants, 63% had attended a first aid course. The total score had a median of 8.0 and was significant higher (p <0.001) if the participant had followed a first aid course (beta 0.39), had a health related job/study (beta 0.80) or had a high self-assessment of first aid knowledge (beta 0.73). The questions regarding Basic Life Support had a particularly high percentage of correct answers and scored significantly better in the group that attended a first aid course in the past.

Conclusion Members of a youth movement have an appropriate knowledge of first aid. Many participants had followed a first aid course and scored significantly better. There is still room for improvement: a training in some very common scenarios could become part of the training course for youth movement leaders.