Secondary prevention in school sports - does teachers‘ first aid education meet the recommendations in class?

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate whether the actual First Aid (FA) knowledge of German physical education (PE) teachers in 2014 differed from a 2008 pilot study (PS) that revealed a lack of FA knowledge amongst German PE teachers. Additionally, a second objective was to identify whether or not the current FA knowledge is at an appropriate level to handle school sport injury incidents. Material and methods: A multiple-choice questionnaire was compiled based on a questionnaire of the PS and on actual analysis of school sport accidents in Germany. It was answered by secondary school PE teachers (n=92). The results were compared to the results of the pilot study in 2008 using non-parametric tests. Results: A general lack in FA knowledge was identified as only two of 54 statements were answered correctly by all participants, especially in basic topics such as positioning, limb fractures, back injuries and the effects of climatic influence like heat and cold. Conclusions: In order to improve PE teachers’ FA knowledge and adapt it to the school sport accidents they face, it is recommended that PE teachers participate in sports-specific FA training and refresher courses every two years and that this training be part of their academic education and postgraduate training.