First Aid for Preschool Children with Different Cultural Backgrounds

Abstract

The aim of the project was to develop a programme of first aid which is suitable for preschool children with different cultural backgrounds. Therefore an integrative approach including non-verbal and symbolic elements was chosen. Based on social learning theory, a big handpuppet was used to model different aspects of emergency situations. Simple experiments served to demonstrate injuries requiring interventions of first aid. Preventive elements focused on traffic-safety and on the prevention of burns and insect stings. Methods: The first-aid-project was planned according to the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model. It was conducted in five municipal child day care centres which were localized in a socially disadvantaged district (“settings approach”). All preschool children who attended the centres were included into the study (n=95). The involvement of the children into several activities was evaluated by the educators using a three-level rating scale. The results of the children with migratory background were compared to the results of the German children. Results: In respect to activities dealing with social behaviour, calling for help and bandaging, migrant children were as involved as German children. In contrast, a significant difference was found, when the children were asked to imagine dangers of burns. Conclusion: With the exception of one session focusing on the prevention of burns, the programme proved to be suitable for children with different socio-cultural backgrounds.