Street First Aid Training Initiative

Özet, Erasmus+ Project Results platformunda yayımlanan İngilizce metindir.

Amaç

Through the implementation of the project, we aimed to increase the competences of youth workers in the field of first aid and to strengthen their ability to use first aid education as an effective educational tool in youth work, especially with young people with fewer opportunities. The project was developed in response to identified needs of both youth workers cooperating with the Oriel organisation and the local Youth Center in Palermo, as well as the young people participating in the Center’s activities, including refugees, immigrants and young people experiencing social and economic exclusion.

We aimed to address the low level of first aid knowledge identified through a survey conducted among youth workers from various Italian organisations. The results confirmed a critical assessment of respondents’ own competences as well as the general level of first aid knowledge in Italian society. This situation was further reinforced by the lack of compulsory first aid education in schools in Italy and in most European countries.

The main objective of the project was to increase the first aid competences of 20 youth workers from four countries and to enhance their skills in integrating first aid activities into everyday educational work as a tool for developing young people’s soft and key competences. By applying non-formal education methods such as games, practical exercises, simulations, rescue manoeuvres, events and happenings, we aimed to develop appropriate attitudes in crisis and high-stress situations and to increase participants’ confidence in taking life-saving actions.

The specific objectives of the project were:
to increase first aid competences among young people from the local Youth Center in Palermo;
to develop soft and key competences among youth workers and the above-mentioned young people, including teamwork, communication in crisis situations, stress management, civic courage and decision-making in critical situations;
to increase the level of safety in activities implemented by the Youth Center in Palermo through better preparation of staff and young people to respond to health- and life-threatening situations.

Uygulama

Within the project, we implemented a comprehensive training course focused on first aid education combined with non-formal learning methods. The activities included practical first aid workshops, simulations and role plays, rescue manoeuvres, educational games, group exercises, as well as events and happenings addressed to young people from the local Youth Center in Palermo. The training programme was designed to strengthen both technical first aid skills and soft and key competences, such as teamwork, communication in crisis situations, stress management, civic courage, decision-making in critical situations and dealing with the consequences of one’s actions.

A total of 20 participants took part in the project, with five participants from each partner country. All participants were aged between 18 and 35 years. Each partner organisation ensured the participation of five people of its nationality, while maintaining gender balance, with equal representation of all genders. The participants were youth workers actively involved in working with young people.

Participants from Poland and Romania were mainly youth workers, including scout instructors and rescuers conducting educational activities for young people. Participants from Turkey were psychologists working with young people as well as with university students. Participants from Italy were youth workers specialising in various methods of non-formal education. This diverse professional background contributed to a rich exchange of experiences and perspectives during the training activities.

First aid education delivered through games, exercises, simulations, rescue manoeuvres, events and happenings enabled participants to develop appropriate and responsible attitudes in crisis and high-stress situations requiring life-saving actions. At the same time, it strengthened a wide range of competences valuable in both personal and professional life.

As part of the training activities and demonstrations, we also used VR (virtual reality) technology. This constituted a significant added value of the project, as it allowed us to introduce new technologies to participants and the wider community, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas. Moreover, the use of VR technology ensured a safe learning environment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sonuçlar

The project significantly strengthened the key competences of youth workers and enabled them to apply new, innovative educational methods in their daily work with young people. Through the international training meeting and dissemination activities, the competences of both participating youth workers and young people, including those with fewer opportunities, were enhanced.

The project contributed to the development of learning competences by acquiring new first aid skills and learning to use innovative educational tools. Social and civic competences were also strengthened, particularly teamwork, communication within a group, and communication in crisis or stressful situations. Participants improved their ability to communicate in their native language and in foreign languages, both through participation in the international project and through simulations of providing first aid to victims and role-players in a foreign language.

Digital competences were developed through the use of VR technology for first aid training and an assessment application connected to mannequins, allowing evaluation of the quality of BLS (Basic Life Support) provided. Additionally, participants enhanced initiative and entrepreneurship, as well as cultural awareness and expression, through diverse methods such as games, exercises, discussions, brainstorming sessions, theatre, manual activities (e.g., preparing the Womanikin template), leadership training, taking initiative, managing first aid teams, and developing civic courage.

Learning first aid through games, exercises, simulations, rescue maneuvers, events, and happenings enabled participants to develop proper attitudes in crisis and high-stress situations, requiring life-saving actions. At the same time, these activities strengthened decision-making in critical situations, stress management, handling consequences of one’s actions, and numerous other competences valuable in personal and professional life.

The project aligned with the goals of the Erasmus+ programme, was participant-driven, and relied on active engagement at all stages of implementation. It supported the development of key competences, provided opportunities for acquiring new knowledge, developing skills, and exchanging experiences in an international environment. The project promoted multiculturalism, improved foreign language skills, and enabled learning through experience.

One of the key outcomes was increasing the first aid competences of young people with fewer opportunities, in line with the overall objectives of Erasmus+ and European strategies for non-formal education. The project also contributed to the goals of the Erasmus+ “Youth Worker Mobility” action by enhancing the competences and skills of youth workers and supported the EU Youth Strategy objectives, particularly in encouraging young people to become active citizens.

During the workshop activities, participants created educational materials such as graphics, posters, and short videos related to first aid. The project concluded with an educational game and a happening for local youth in Palermo, designed and led by the participants. Additionally, participants developed a toolbox containing scenarios for lessons, trainings, games, exercises, and first aid happenings, providing a sustainable and practical result of the project.