zeit.de
First Aid Training Mandatory in Rheinland-Pfalz Schools Starting 2026
Beginning in the 2026/27 school year, Rheinland-Pfalz will mandate CPR training in secondary schools' biology curriculum, supplementing existing layperson resuscitation instruction.
- What is the immediate impact of the new curriculum on students in Rheinland-Pfalz?
- Starting in the 2026/27 school year, all secondary school students in Rheinland-Pfalz will receive mandatory CPR training as part of their biology curriculum. This expands upon existing, but non-mandatory, two-hour layperson resuscitation training already in place for grades 7-10.
- How does this new mandate build upon existing efforts in CPR training within Rheinland-Pfalz schools?
- The mandate formalizes and expands upon a pre-existing program, "Herzsicher in der Schule – Rheinland-Pfalz", which since 2019 has trained teachers to conduct CPR instruction. The new curriculum integrates CPR training into the biology curriculum, leveraging existing teacher training and supplementing it with new online resources.
- What are the broader implications of this policy change, considering the national context of CPR training and the DRK's recommendations?
- This policy aligns with the DRK's call for nationwide mandatory CPR training in schools, addressing the low rate (approximately 50%) of bystander CPR initiation in Germany. By integrating CPR training into the curriculum, Rheinland-Pfalz aims to improve survival rates from cardiac arrest, a leading cause of death in Germany.
Cognitive Concepts
Bias by Omission
While the article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, it could benefit from including information on the cost of the program, the number of students trained, and the long-term effectiveness of the training. Additionally, diverse perspectives beyond the government and DRK might enrich the piece. The omission of these points is likely due to space constraints, not intentional bias.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the integration of first aid and CPR training into the Rheinland-Pfalz school curriculum. This directly contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by improving the health literacy and emergency response skills of students, potentially reducing mortality rates from cardiac arrest. The initiative increases the number of people trained in life-saving techniques, leading to better health outcomes and aligning with the SDG target of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.