CPR for Schools Programme is a milestone!

European Journal of Anaesthesiology is a monthly specialistic publication addressed to specialists in the field of anesthesiology. The journal has been published since 1984 and it has become an influential medical journal, which publishes original work of high scientific quality and it focuses on research and development in the field of anesthesiology. 

In the latest edition of the peer-reviewed journal the editorial focused on school children education in resuscitation and it has included the activities undertaken as part of the CPR for Schools as historical milestones in school children education in resuscitation. The annual resuscitation record attempt, which is organized to celebrate European Restart a Heart Day, is given as an example of successful school children education in resuscitation.  

According to the article, the key to saving a victim of a sudden cardiac arrest is a quick reaction by bystanders. Research suggests that in at least 60% of cases there are witnesses present on site of the incident and if one considers the fact that the brain starts to die 5 minutes after the collapse, the reaction of the bystanders becomes a key factor in saving the victim's life. The conclusion, drawn by the authors of the editorial suggests that in order to save lives of hundreds of thousands of victims of cardiac arrest, states that it is essential to focus on promoting bystander resuscitation. School children education resuscitation seems to be the most effective way of spreading CPR knowledge. The article advocates teaching methodology, i.e instruction by appropriately trained teachers, use of manikins, games and educational apps has been implemented by the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity since the CPR for Schools Programme has been launched in 2006. Experts claim that universally accessible CPR knowledge is the key to increasing bystander resuscitation efforts, and CPR for Schools Programme is a perfect example of successful efforts aimed to introduce primary school children to first aid knowledge. 

Educational Programme which has been initiated and is financed by the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation is available in 91% of primary schools in Poland: there are almost 3 million children who know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation! The Foundation aims to introduce universal, accessible education in resuscitation to primary schools in the entire country!