Introduction: First aid is defined as providing initial care at the scene of an accident. The aim of first aid is to preserve life, relieve pain, prevent further illness or injury until professional medical care can be obtained. Globally, the incidence of traffic accidents is increasing, so it is especially important that the general population is trained to act in such situations. First aid courses have been one of the most important contents of health education both in the past and today. On July 1, 1970, the regulations on taking the first aid test for motor vehicle drivers came into force. Purpose: The purpose of the thesis is to compare the knowledge of first aid among motor vehicle drivers in different periods of time after passing the first aid exam. Methods: A descriptive method was used to review the literature. Literature was searched using the PubMed, COBISS and Google scholar browsers. Inclusion criteria were compatibility with the topic, accessibility of the full text, text in Slovenian or English, and age of the source up to 10 years. Using a quantitative research method, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in which we used a survey questionnaire as a data collection technique. It consisted of the content of first aid courses for motor vehicle drivers. Results: 125 respondents aged 19 to 66 were included in the survey. Inclusion criteria were a driving license and respondents without a medical education. Respondents who answered the questionnaire only partially were also removed from the survey. The results were processed using the descriptive statistics method. The respondents were divided into groups according to the time that had passed since the first aid test for motor vehicle drivers. We found that first aid knowledge declines over the years. The greatest decline in knowledge was observed 6 to 10 years after completing the first aid course, after which knowledge continued to decline. We also proved that knowledge renewal has an impact on knowledge preservation. Respondents who completed an additional course in first aid had more correct answers than those who did not complete an additional course. Discussion and conclusion: In most cases, a layman is the first to arrive at the scene of an accident. For this reason, there should be a particular emphasis on first aid education for the general population. The strengthening and preservation of knowledge is greatly helped by regular updating of knowledge. The declines in knowledge can also be mitigated by conducting simulations in first aid courses and including a standardized casualty. Anyone with first aid knowledge can provide support and appropriate care to a person who has been in an accident. With a high level of first aid knowledge and by maintaining it, we contribute to the quality and effectiveness of saving lives.
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