Perception of early childhood and elementary school teachers regarding first aid in the school environment

Leonardo Rafael Ribeiro Oliveira Silva, Damaris Luiza Pereira e Silva, Rossana Vanessa Dantas de Almeida Marques

Abstract

This study aimed to assess teachers’ knowledge of first aid and to identify factors influencing this knowledge. A qualitative-quantitative approach was adopted, applying a mixed questionnaire to 310 teachers from public and private schools in Imperatriz, Maranhão, Brazil. It was found that 68.6% of the teachers had never received prior training. Although 86.6% had already witnessed school emergencies such as falls (41.5%), choking (25.5%), and seizures (22.1%), 59.8% reported feeling poorly prepared and 33% unprepared to act. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between prior training (p=0.002), self-perceived preparedness (p=0.005), and higher scores on the First Aid Test for Educators. A shortage of first aid supplies was also observed in schools, including splints (7.4%), bandages (15.4%), and ice packs (30.5%), further compromising effective responses. Therefore, although basic awareness of first aid was recognized across the sample, self-perception of unpreparedness and insecurity exerted a negative influence on knowledge, whereas prior training demonstrated a positive impact, outlining a profile of educators who are undertrained, insecure, and with limited knowledge on the subject.