Knowledge and Practice of First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Among Primary School Teachers in District Swabi, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Background: Primary school teachers may be required to provide immediate assistance during injuries and medical emergencies, yet evidence regarding their first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) preparedness in Pakistan remains limited. Objective: To assess knowledge and self-reported practice of first aid and CPR among primary school teachers in District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2025 among government and private primary school teachers recruited through convenience sampling. A structured self-administered questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, nine knowledge items, and 11 self-reported practice/preparedness items. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with categorical association testing planned where appropriate. Results: A total of 448 teachers participated. Previous CPR-training data were available for 397 participants, of whom 138 (34.8%) reported prior training. Knowledge scores were available for 415 teachers, with a mean score of 4.67 ± 1.92 out of 9 and a median of 5.00; 87 (21.0%) scored 7–9. Practice scores were available for 397 participants and averaged 18.12 ± 3.24, with a median of 18.00. Conclusion: Primary school teachers demonstrated limited first aid and CPR knowledge, and formal CPR training coverage was low. The findings indicate an important gap in school emergency preparedness and support strengthening structured first aid and CPR education for teachers.
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