School's Revival of Red Cross Programs Sought by Youth Red Cross Association

Classroom training for two hours, advocated by the Youth Red Cross, could potentially prevent fatalities. They're pushing for resuscitation guidelines to be integrated into educational curriculums.

, and Administrator

2025 May 29 . 5:17 PM

2 min read

Classroom training for resuscitation techniques could potentially save lives, advocates the Youth... — Classroom training for resuscitation techniques could potentially save lives, advocates the Youth Red Cross - urging the implementation of life-saving measures in educational curricula.

School's Revival of Red Cross Programs Sought by Youth Red Cross Association

Germany's Youth Red Cross (JRK) advocates for comprehensive resuscitation training for students to be implemented in schools. According to Marcel Bösel, the federal leader of JRK, two hours of annual training should be sufficient to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to revive people in emergencies.

Bösel pointed out that the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs has recommended the topic since 2014, but full implementation is yet to be achieved. Currently, resuscitation training with a focus on CPR is taught in only a few schools, said Bösel.

One reason for the delayed implementation could be a lack of financial resources and political will. However, Bösel emphasized that this is not an issue of support or necessity but rather one of prioritization.

Implementing comprehensive resuscitation training in schools would potentially save thousands of lives, according to Bösel. He cited the instance of cardiac arrest, where every minute counts, and a doctor may not always be immediately available. Bösel also mentioned that injuries can occur anywhere, making it essential for people to be prepared.

First aid knowledge is particularly important in emergencies, especially when a doctor is not immediately available. Currently, the Youth Red Cross has around 160,000 members aged 6 to 27, with a 20,000 increase last year, as reported by Bösel. The organization aims to train as many children and young people in first aid as possible.

Despite the high demand for membership, Bösel noted that the bigger problem might be a lack of leaders in the future. Leadership roles in society are no longer as attractive as they used to be.

Germany's educational system and the lack of a binding legal framework, combined with challenges in teacher training, funding, and system-wide coordination, have impeded comprehensive implementation of layperson resuscitation education in schools. Efforts to overcome these barriers would include legislative action, investment in educator development, and nationwide strategic planning aligned with European resuscitation education guidelines.

The Youth Red Cross (JRK) believes that incorporating science-based health-and-wellness education, such as comprehensive resuscitation training, into the curriculum could foster growth in student knowledge and skills.
Expanding learning opportunities beyond emergency resuscitation, JRK champions education-and-self-development programs that emphasize fitness-and-exercise and radio communication skills, as they promote physical health and social engagement.
By encouraging lifelong learning and personal development among young people, the Youth Red Cross (JRK) seeks to foster responsible leaders dedicated to the betterment of health, fitness, and education in their communities.