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Rapid Responses: Rapid Responses published:
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CPR in Schools
- P SJ Wernham (12 June 2007)
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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation by children
- Wilfrid Treasure (25 June 2007)
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An example of a successful scheme for teaching Emergency Life Support
- Heartstart, Southampton Medical School, Vallari Shah, Rachel Davison, Faraz Sheikh, Helen Webb, Tom Burrows and Katy Oliver (26 June 2007)
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P SJ Wernham, Medical Student UEA
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Dear Sir, The charity and umbrella organisation Medsin promotes a project called CPR in Schools. This represents a national cohort of students who feel that at the very least the promotion of an awareness amongst children is of value. Funds are gathered from Student unions and local councils to promote awareness through the use of dolls and role play. A bigger barrier than finances and resource seems to be the schools themselves. Another approach that might be considered is approaching sports clubs and hosting awareness sessions for their members. This is an important concern and I am encouraged that it is receiving attention. Sincerely Paul Wernham. Medical Student & President of UEA MedSin, p.wernham@doctors.org.uk, www.medsin.org Competing interests: None declared |
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Wilfrid Treasure, GP principal MMG, EH4 4PL
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I think it is ethically dubious to involve children in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is preferable that children should not even witness such a procedure let alone be expected to perform it themselves. If they are faced with the need and do not attempt it or attempt it and fail they are faced with a burden of responsibility beyond what is appropriate. I wonder if this is part of a wider failing in our society to be clear about the separation between the adult and child world. Competing interests: None declared |
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Heartstart, Southampton Medical School, Medical Students Southampton Medical School, SO16 6HR, Vallari Shah, Rachel Davison, Faraz Sheikh, Helen Webb, Tom Burrows and Katy Oliver
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Dear Sir, Undergraduate medical students from Southampton Medical School have regularly taught emergency life support to school age children through our affiliation to Heartstart UK, Medsin Southampton and Widening Access to Medicine since 2003. To date we have taught Emergency Life Support to over 2000 pupils. The scheme is voluntary and free of charge to anyone who wishes to be taught Emergency Life Support and is funded by the University of Southampton. We are also supported by and receive teaching materials from Heartstart UK, part of the British Heart Foundation. Heartstart UK teaching sessions cover CPR, the recovery position, bleeding, choking and heart attacks. To broaden participation as well as to reinforce our training in schools, we have also taught at Brownie and Scout groups, a drug rehabilitation centre and with family groups. Repetition of training is crucial and we encourage pupils to attend first aid training elsewhere as well. Children enjoy our teaching and are always keen to learn. Unfortunately we are limited to teaching in schools and youth groups that are prepared to set aside time in their curriculum to accommodate us; this excludes a large number of children. Teaching first aid as part of the curriculum would be an effective way of extending the service to all children. We endorse teaching these life saving skills to all children across the country. Teaching children early in life will make them aware of the importance of Emergency Life Support, and encourage them to keep up with these skills in adulthood. Competing interests: None declared |
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