School-Based Revival of Red Cross Training Proposed by Youth Red Cross
Call for Comprehensive First Aid Training in Schools
Berlin - The German Youth Red Cross (JRK) is advocating for mandatory layperson training in resuscitation to be integrated into schools, starting from the seventh grade. Marcel Bösel, the federal leader of the JRK, emphasized the importance of this training, stating, "Every minute counts in emergencies, and a doctor isn't always immediately available. Two hours of annual training could save thousands of lives."
The Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs recommended the inclusion of such training in lesson plans back in 2014. However, progress seems slow, with resuscitation training only being taught at a fraction of schools, according to Bösel. He attributes the implementation's delay to a mix of financial, political, and motivational factors.
The JRK aims to train as many children and young people as possible in first aid, possibly through school health services. Financial resources and political support play crucial roles in achieving this goal.
The importance of first aid training is underscored by the fact that, during a cardiac arrest, immediate action could mean the difference between life and death. According to Bösel, "If layperson resuscitation training were universally implemented, at least 10,000 lives could be saved."
In an emergency, injuries can occur anywhere – school, during leisure, or at home. Bösel expressed concern over the number of people who are unsure of what to do in such situations. The Youth Red Cross was founded in 1925 and has approximately 160,000 members aged 6 to 27. The organization reported a 20,000-member increase in the past year.
Bösel anticipates a future shortage of leadership personnel due to declining interest in leadership roles in society. He emphasized the organization's high demand for membership.
Meanwhile, in Hamm, residents can pick their own strawberries, receive free pain consultations, and learn about photovoltaic initiatives for kindergartens. For more news from Hamm, visit the specified link.
[1] The Enrichment Data suggests that Germany's lack of legal requirements for CPR training and inconsistencies in educational implementation are key factors behind its non-mandatory status. A number of countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Portugal, and the UK, have made CPR training mandatory by law, while Germany relies on voluntary or localized efforts. Resource and structural barriers, such as funding and teacher preparedness, also hinder mandatory CPR training's widespread adoption.
The JRK is advocating for science-based first aid training, specifically in resuscitation, to be integrated into the education-and-self-development sector of schools, starting from the seventh grade. This learning opportunity, if universally implemented, could potentially save thousands of lives, health-and-wellness gains being one of the benefits, as it could help individuals in emergency situations before professional help arrives. Furthermore, the JRK aims to promote learning and practical skills development through school health services, which could help bridge the knowledge gap about first aid procedures in the population.
