Effect of an Educational Intervention on CPR Knowledge and Skills in Schoolchildren

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a CPR intervention for children aged 7 and 8. Given the high prevalence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) and the proven benefits of early CPR training, the study seeks to determine whether a structured intervention can improve young children's knowledge and skills in basic life support.

What is the effect of a CPR training intervention on the knowledge and skills of 7- and 8-year-old schoolchildren?

Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Research shows that survival rates increase significantly when CPR is performed promptly by a trained bystander. Countries with early CPR training programs in schools, such as Norway and Denmark, report better survival outcomes. However, in Latin America, CPR education in schools is still in its early stages. Evidence suggests that children can effectively learn and retain CPR knowledge, and they can serve as multipliers by passing their knowledge to family and peers.

Study Design:

This is a non-randomized, double-blind controlled trial with four phases:

Conditions

• CPR
• Cardiac Arrest (CA)

Interventions

OTHER

Intervention for Teaching the First Link in the Chain of Survival to 7- and 8-Year-Old Children

Unlike traditional CPR training programs designed primarily for older children or adults, this intervention is uniquely tailored for 7- and 8-year-old schoolchildren. It employs a narrative-based, age-appropriate educational approach that incorporates storytelling, interactive activities, and practical simulation exercises aligned with the cognitive and motor development of young learners. Delivered by school nurses in a classroom setting, the program not only focuses on teaching the first link in the chain of survival but also ensures that its content and methods are rigorously validated by experts. Moreover, the intervention includes a follow-up evaluation at three months to assess the retention of knowledge and skills, distinguishing it from other clinical studies that lack such long-term assessment.

OTHER

Placebo Intervention - First Aid (Excluding Basic CPR)

In the control arm, participants receive a structured first aid educational program that intentionally excludes any training on the first link in the chain of survival. This intervention focuses on general first aid skills-such as wound care, management of minor injuries, and other non-cardiac emergency procedures-ensuring that no content related to recognizing a cardiac emergency or activating the emergency response system is provided. Delivered in a classroom setting by qualified personnel, the program is designed to mirror the overall structure, duration, and engagement level of the CPR intervention without overlapping its core content. Expert validation has been obtained to confirm that the curriculum remains neutral and strictly adheres to general first aid, thereby serving as a robust comparator to isolate the specific effects of CPR training in young schoolchildren.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universidad Nacional de Colombia

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

7 Years

Max Age

8 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-05-01

Primary Completion

2025-08-15

Completion

2025-09-01

Countries

• Colombia

Study Locations