Introduction: One in five injuries of a child happens in school. Along with injuries, an increasing occurrences of certain chronical illnesses can be detected: diabetes type I, asthma, epilepsy, allergies. These factors weigh down on the teachers with responsibility for safety and health of the pupils. They are expected to act fast and correctly in case of injury or acute illness deterioration. To be able to do so, they need proper knowledge of first aid content. Fast and proper first aid administration can prevent deterioration and complications of the state of health, even a child's death. Purpose: The purpose of the thesis is to describe certain first aid measures and assess the level of knowledge among the staff in one of the bigger primary schools. Work methods: An overview of scientific literature in the field of first aid measures has been conducted. Based on findings, initial theoretical assumptions were laid down and a research questionnaire was prepared, containing 19 closed-end questions, addressing the topic of first aid measures. A time limit of 15 minutes per session was set. The data was compiled and processed with a web application 1KA and Microsoft Excel 2016. The arithmetic mean of correct answers was calculated. Results: Of the participants, 47 were teachers and 16 were administrative staff. The research revealed clear deficiencies in knowledge of first aid emergency measures in cases of intoxication. Only 6 % would respond correctly. Somehow weaker results were observed also with knowledge of basic child resuscitation algorithm and the choice of correct chest compression point. Discussion and closure: The curriculum for class-level studies at the Pedagogical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana contains no mandatory or optional first aid modules, therefore future teachers have to acquire first aid knowledge by themselves. The teachers can improve their knowledge through courses in driving schools, in corporate medical courses and in other workshops and courses. The average knowledge of participants in this research was rated at 56%. In specific first aid measures better results were achieved by those, who refreshed their knowledge within the last 5 years. This result confirms common observation that knowledge and skills deteriorate with time and need regular attention. However, in primary schools renewal courses are in most cases organized for teachers only. We recommend that first aid training courses are provided to all employees in primary schools.
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