Introduction: Cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death is sudden cessation of heart muscle function, leading to an interruption of blood circulation to the tissues. Quick and correct first aid is crucial for the survival of a person in cardiac arrest, especially in the mountains, where emergency medical assistance takes longer to arrive. Purpose: The aim of this diploma work was to determine the theoretical knowledge of basic resuscitation procedures among mountain visitors. Methods: The diploma work was based on a descriptive-empirical method. Data on first aid knowledge for cardiac arrest among mountain visitors were collected using an anonymous survey questionnarie. Quantitative data was processed using Microsoft Office Excel 2016. Results: The sample included 204 mountain visitors. Over one third (37 %) of respondents would continue resuscitation if an unresponsive person exhibited agonal breathing. 13 % of respondents would leave the unresponsiveperson to seek an area with mobile signal for an emergency call. More than three-quartes (76 %) of mountain visitors believe that it is still possible to call an emergency nubmer in an area without mobile signal. Only 20 % of the surveyed individuals would perform chest compressions with the appropriate depth of 5-6 centimeters. 65 % of respondents would perform chest compressions and rescue breath in a ration of 30:2. More than half (59 %) of respondents know the correct placement of automated external defibrillator electrodes. Discussion and conclusion: The results indicate good knowledge of the ration and location for performing chest compressions and rescue breaths. However, there is poor recognition of agonal breathing, which declines over the years folllowing the last first aid training. Similar results have been observed in studies conducted abroad. More than three-quarters (87 %) of laypersons are unaware that they can leave the person in case that an emergency call is unavaible in the area without mobile signal. However, this information is not provided on the webside of the Republic of Slovenia for protection and rescue. Greater emphasis is needed on recognizing agonal breathing. The question arises as to why mountain visitors are well awere of the compression-to-breath ratio and compression location but have poor knowledge of the speed and depth of chest compressions. Since first aid knowledge declines over time, it would be reasonable to consider refresher training or first aid workshops for mountain visitors.
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