First Aid Training in English Reached Beyond the Walls of JFMED CU
First aid training focused on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has now extended beyond the walls of the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University (JFMED CU) in Martin. Storvik Martine Hansen, a student of the English-language General Medicine programme and a certified first aid provider in her home country of Norway, delivered CPR training in English for students of the Milan Hodža Bilingual Grammar School in Sučany.
During two teaching sessions, the high school students were introduced to the basic principles of providing first aid in cases of sudden cardiac arrest and had the opportunity to practice the correct technique of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The training also included hands-on practice using a manikin equipped with computer-generated feedback, enabling objective assessment of CPR quality, including the rate and depth of chest compressions.
Public education in first aid is becoming increasingly important. In Slovakia, the network of publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) is gradually expanding. At the same time, efforts are underway to develop digital tools and mobile applications that could in the future facilitate the rapid activation of trained volunteers located near an emergency scene, thereby strengthening the individual links in the chain of survival. Early recognition of cardiac arrest, prompt activation of emergency services, immediate initiation of CPR, and the use of an AED significantly increase a patient’s chances of survival.
Many of the workshop participants may one day become students of medical faculties or other healthcare programmes. Practical experience in providing first aid can therefore equip them with valuable knowledge even before they begin their university studies. An additional benefit of the event was that the training was conducted in English, allowing students to develop their medical terminology and communication skills in a professional context.
At the same time, the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine creates opportunities for international students to actively participate in educational activities for the public. Educational experience shows that one of the most effective ways of learning is by sharing acquired knowledge with others. Students who have completed certified first aid courses can reinforce their own knowledge, develop teaching and communication skills, and contribute to improving health literacy within the region. Such activities benefit all parties involved: schools gain access to innovative educational experiences, while medical students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice.
The activity was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Jana Plevková, Director of the Simulation Centre of JFMED CU, who has long supported innovation in education and the strengthening of links between the university environment and the needs of the local community.