In countries where CPR education is mandatory in schools, bystanders perform CPR in 60-70 percent of cases, and cardiac arrest survival rates double. The Lancet estimates more than 100,000 lives could be saved if more lay people in Britain learned CPR.
CPR Training is Mandatory in Some Schools
After years of campaigning, England will implement compulsory first aid skills and CPR training in all schools starting in 2020. Primary school children will learn basic first aid, while secondary school students will learn CPR and basic treatment for common injuries.
Thirty-eight U.S. states require CPR certification for high school graduation. Eighteen states require CPR training for teachers, and 33 require it for coaches. In 44 states and the District of Columbia, public high schools are required to offer hands-on CPR training.
Students Make Great Students
Adolescent brains are designed to absorb information and their aptitude for learning makes them great CPR and first aid students. According to The Resuscitation Journal, “younger children can be taught the principles of calling for help and older children can be taught the skills of CPR when they are physically mature enough to perform these skills.”
A 2013 survey conducted on behalf of the European Resuscitation Council found 16 of the 23 reporting countries had some form of CPR program in primary/secondary schools. Four of the countries also included first aid. None of the countries provided standardized certificates – presenting a significant opportunity for EFR® Instructors.
Tips for Pitching Schools
Students are a massive audience. According to the UN, there are 1.8 billion people between the ages of 10 and 24 on our planet. This works out to about 11-13 percent of the population. You can also expand your target market to include athletic coaches, teachers, teacher’s aides, and of course, parents.
Emphasize the community health and safety benefits – around the world, cardiac arrest claims more moms, dads and grandparents than auto accidents, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, firearms, pneumonia and HIV combined. According to the American Heart Association, the survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims increases to nearly 45 percent when bystander CPR is administered.
Address potential objections and concerns – Include statistics such as:
- 86 percent of 9-18 year-olds can correctly administer CPR after hands-on training.
- Though teenagers aren’t prone to cardiac arrest, they are likely to live at home, where nearly 70 percent of cardiac arrests occur. EFR training gives them the confidence and skills to respond to an emergency.
- The British Red Cross estimates bystander first aid could prevent 59 percent of deaths by injury.
- In Norway, CPR training is mandatory in schools and this is reflected in their significantly higher survival rates.
Emphasize the value for students – Teenagers may apply for jobs where CPR and first aid training is a critical skill, such as babysitting or lifeguarding.
Promote instructor training for teachers – EFR Instructor Trainers can help teachers or coaches become CPR and first aid instructors.
Be patient – Schools often have a long approval process and typically do not add new classes mid-year. In the meantime, focus on building relationships.
Invite teachers to audit a course or preview the course materials – If your initial contact is an administrator, offer to provide references and student testimonials.
Download a sample proposal letter and customizable marketing material from the EFR Pros’ Site.
High school students, teachers and coaches are a relatively untapped market for CPR and first aid training. As an EFR Instructor, you have the opportunity to help young people get the training they need to save lives.
