Medical students teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation to elementary school children

Raúl García Hémonnet/Editor

On the occasion of the European Day of Cardiac Resuscitation, recently celebrated, medical students from the Rey Juan Carlos University and professionals from the Intensive Care Service have recreated, with around 50 fourth year ESO students from the Rafael Alberti school in Móstoles, real situations cardiorespiratory resuscitation.

This initiative is part of the Clinical Practices III subject of the 6th year of the Medicine degree and has been coordinated by the professor of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Nieves Franco Garrobo.

For Clara Gonzalo, a student of the degree, it has been very gratifying, "we liked that they called us for this training, since we have been learning for many years and we liked having the responsibility of teaching, it also helps us to consolidate knowledge".

Reanimation with dolls and soundtracks

Professionals and students have instructed little ones on what to do when a grandmother stops breathing or chokes. Doctors and nurses have taught children how to facilitate resuscitation massage, but also who to call and what information to provide.

As Clara explains, “this knowledge is basic and can save a person's life. Anyone can find themselves in a choking situation that needs cardiopulmonary resuscitation, so it is important to teach the techniques from these ages, as it will help them throughout their lives”.

Using dolls, the hospital workers have explained how to correctly place the person who needs help, the position of the hands, the place to press and the times to perform the Heimlich maneuvers.

Later, and to the rhythm of the soundtrack of 'Star Wars' or Sponge Bob, they practiced the exercise with the stuffed animals and dolls, exercising the rhythm, repetitions and strength.