Learning how to activate the chain of survival at school: Impact of an innovative educational intervention in children aged 5 to 8 years.
Anales de pediatria · 2026-09-19 · Quasi-experimental
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: To improve the prognosis of cardiac arrest, annual school-based first aid training is recommended from an early age. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting specific pedagogical strategies for this purpose. This study evaluated the impact of interactive teaching resources compared with traditional instruction on the acquisition and retention of skills related to activating the chain of survival in schoolchildren aged 5-8 years. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental study was conducted in five schools. A total of 298 schoolchildren were included: 111 in the control group (traditional instruction) and 187 in the intervention group (learning with a "never-ending book" and a telephone simulator). Assessments were carried out immediately after training (E0) and at 12 months (E1) using a simulation scenario and a checklist. RESULTS: In the initial assessment (E0), the intervention group achieved superior results in four key variables. At the 12-month evaluation (E1), the intervention group maintained significant advantages in competencies related to activating emergency medical services and effective communication with the dispatcher. The ability to use the phone in hands-free mode declined over time in both groups, while the ability to recall a parental phone number improved. CONCLUSIONS: Simple hands-on and interactive resources can improve both the acquisition and retention of basic skills required to activate the chain of survival. Their implementation in schools is feasible, cost-effective, and promotes practical learning from an early age.