[Evaluation of the knowledge of teachers and high school students in Silesia on the principles of first aid].

Bystander CPR in first minutes after cardiac arrest appears to be a crucial component of the chain of survival. Failure of the circulation for 5-6 minutes will lead to irreversible cerebral damage and death. The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of knowledge about first aid among Polish society on the example of secondary school students and teachers. The study was conducted on students and teachers from Silesian voivodeship from November 2001 to March 2002. The study was based on a sample of 227 secondary school students (34 males and 193 females) and 79 secondary school teachers (28 males and 51 females). The anonymous survey evaluating the level of first aid knowledge was carried out. It consisted of general and particular part. 7 of surveyed students achieved an excellent result, 57 a good result and 163 represented inadequate level of knowledge. None of surveyed teachers achieved an excellent result, 11 achieved a good result and 63 represented inadequate level of knowledge. Higher level of knowledge was presented by those with a driving licence. The knowledge of secondary school students and teachers appears to be insufficient to perform basic life support. Education programs in secondary school should be initiated in terms of extending social safety.