‘ABC for Life’ – Teaching Basic Life Support in Primary Schools

‘ABC for Life’ – Teaching

Basic Life Support in Primary Schools

Teacher training session

Session timelineTime Activity

0-15 Introduction / background15-30 CPR video30-60 CPR group session60-70 Recovery position video70-80 Recovery position group session80-90 Care of manikin / changing lungs

Q+A session90 Conclusion of course

Aims & ObjectivesTeach life saving skills in schoolsInstruct 11 year old children year BLS Early commencement of ‘chain of survival’Increase the chances of individuals

surviving a heart attack

BackgroundIn NI heart disease

kills 1 in 3 men.

Less than 1% of the population know BLS

70 - 75% at home

The ABC for Life ProgrammeSet up 2004Official charity status ‘ABC for life

association’ in 2008450 schools enrolled to dateTraining ongoingResources / training provided to schools free

of chargeEquipment stays in schools for future trainingRefresher courses provided annually

Launch day - 2004

The ABC for Life ProgrammeInstruct P7 pupils

BLS

Pyramidal approach of medical students / teachers / P7 pupils

Train a generation of young people life saving skills

How It Works

Equipment providedLittle Anne manikinLungs / wipesTeachers training manualInstructional video clips on

CDROMTeachers feedback formsImportant contact detailsCertificates for pupils

Syllabus

Videos

Certificate

Website

www.qub.ac.uk/abcforlife

Research summaryNationally and internationally published11 year olds can acquire theoretical

knowledgeRetain skills at least 6 months following

trainingTheory better in 13 yr olds, no diff in practical

skillsEmphasis on ‘life-long’ learningNo difference in teacher vs doctor led

trainingReduced anxietiesIncreased willingness to help

4 stage approach

Stage1 Real time demonstration of skill

Teacher performs CPR without explanation

2 Repeat demonstration on manikin by teacher with dialogue discussing rationale for actions

3 Repeat demonstration guided by pupils

4 Independent demonstration of skill by each pupil until teacher feels they are competent

Viewing of materials / CPR video

(10 mins)

Small group CPR session

(30 mins)

Viewing of recovery position

video(10 mins)

Small group recovery position

session(15 mins)

Care of manikin and materialsFace should be cleaned between each userLungs should be changed between each

session and discardedManikins face should be thoroughly cleaned

after each sessionManikin should be handled with careStore in blue bagReplacement lungs via website

www.qub.ac.uk/abcforlife

Changing lungsDemonstration by medical studentsOpen chest by removing the ‘skin’ from the

sidesRemove manikins faceRemove bottom of lungs from attachmentPull mouth piece off by dislodging the jawRemove and dispose of lungsAttach new lungs to the jawbone and reinsertFix lung to bottom of attachmentReplace ‘skin’ and check lungs are inflating

SummaryShould feel competent to perform BLS

independentlyShould feel confident to conduct your own

training sessionPlease contact us if you have any questions

via website / email addressLet us know how your training goes /

outcomesThanks and good luck!