A pioneering Saudi study to enhance students' CPR skills
King Saud Medical City, a member of the Riyadh Health Cluster 1, published a significant international research study in the Bahrain Medical Journal, revealing the success of an innovative training program targeting Riyadh school students. This program aims to enhance CPR skills and boost their confidence in handling emergency situations. This scientific achievement reflects the city's commitment to advancing healthcare knowledge according to the highest international standards.
The evolution of emergency care and the importance of CPR skills
Historically, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most important emergency medical interventions developed in the mid-20th century to save lives in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Over the decades, global health organizations, such as the World Health Organization and the American Heart Association, have recognized that relying solely on medical personnel is insufficient to reduce mortality rates; rather, community members, especially young people, must be trained in CPR skills. In this context, Saudi Arabia's efforts are perfectly aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of promoting public health, implementing preventative care, and raising health awareness among all segments of society from an early age, making the school environment the ideal starting point for this vital education.
Methodology of Study and Application of First Aid
The study, titled “The Impact of a Basic First Aid Training Program on Students’ Knowledge and Self-Confidence in Riyadh Schools,” was professionally conducted by the city’s Heart Health Center. The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intensive basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for elementary school students to ensure a faster response time in school settings. The research team employed an observational design, selecting randomly from schools in Riyadh, with fieldwork conducted from May to July 2025.
Local and regional impact of promoting health awareness
The impact of this study extends beyond the local classrooms in Riyadh, serving as a regional model for the Middle East. Locally, students' mastery of these medical skills contributes to a safer school and community environment, empowering children to provide vital first aid until medical teams arrive. Regionally and internationally, publishing such research in peer-reviewed scientific journals reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in preventive medical research and provides valuable scientific data supporting the global trend toward mandatory first aid inclusion in core educational curricula.
Accuracy of outputs and expert recommendations
The results showed a significant positive impact on raising students' awareness and basic skills. The training also contributed to enhancing their psychological resilience in dealing with emergencies. The study recommended integrating basic first aid programs into routine school schedules to ensure the improved efficiency of first responders. In this regard, the research project director, Dr. Mubarak Al-Dossari, stated that publishing these results confirms the quality of the scientific methodology used and the accuracy of the findings. Dr. Al-Dossari emphasized the importance of investing in early health education, saying, "This approach has a direct impact on enhancing effective community response to emergencies." This success is an extension of King Saud Medical City's efforts to support scientific research and adopt best practices that positively impact the quality of life and safety of community members.
