CPR in the Curriculum at Key Stage 3
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the curriculum at Key Stage 3
Legislation
On 10 March 2022, an amendment to the Education (Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 came into operation making the teaching of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and awareness on automated external defibrillators (AED) compulsory elements of Learning for Life and Work for pupils at Key Stage 3. The change to the law applied from the 2022-23 academic year.
The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 (legislation.gov.uk)
This change to the Northern Ireland Curriculum reflects that in the rest of the United Kingdom and much of Europe.
About CPR
CPR is a life-saving medical procedure which is given to someone who is in cardiac arrest. It helps to pump blood around the body when the heart is unable to do so. The chance of someone surviving a cardiac arrest decreases by approximately 10% for every minute that passes without CPR. Therefore, it is vital to get basic emergency life support to the patient as quickly as possible. This can make a real difference before the ambulance arrives. There are around 1500 Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCA) in Northern Ireland per year, where resuscitation is attempted, and only one-in-ten people are likely to survive to see their families again. CPR is a critical, and potentially life-saving, skill.
Training and resources
Under the direction of the Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen MLA, the Department communicated the intended change to the curriculum in 2021 in a letter to schools. To support this policy, the Department commissioned the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) to develop resources and support for pupils and teachers. CCEA has developed a Hub which provides a range of resources to support schools in the effective delivery of what has been called the Community of Lifesavers Educations Programme (COLEP) and other emergency first aid procedures at Key Stage 3. The intention is to develop the Hub further using a phased approach. The programme consists of six core modules. For each module, there is a lesson plan, video clip, PowerPoint presentation and Skills and Activity Cards in English and Irish. These resources provide step-by-step guidance on how to respond to the various medical emergencies that a pupil may encounter. The information and techniques laid out in the modules are evidence based and the approaches are supported by Resuscitation Council UK, which sets the standard for resuscitation practice.
Community of Lifesavers Education Programme | CCEA
The Department is partnering with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) and the Education Authority (EA) to deliver training for a teacher in all post-primary schools across Northern Ireland. Throughout the Spring Term 2023, training is being provided by NIAS as part of its Lifesaver Ambassador training using a ‘train the trainer’ model to build capacity across the teaching workforce.
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Health and Social Care Trust
The EA is co-ordinating the training for teachers and will oversee the substitute cover budget allocated by the Department. Schools [that have not already done so] can register at:
Oversight arrangements and next steps
The Department has put in place oversight arrangements with its delivery partners to monitor expenditure and the uptake and quality of training provided by NIAS. Moving forward into 2023-24, consideration is being given to extending the teaching of first aid (including CPR as appropriate) to other key stages through, for example, a progression framework.