Life-saving skills in the community: An assessment of basic life support and first aid knowledge in a selected barangay in the Philippines
Filibert Patrick F. Tad-awan
Abstract
This study assessed the knowledge of basic life support (BLS) and emergency first aid among officials, staff, tanods, and residents of a selected barangay in Baguio City, Philippines. It specifically examined their level of knowledge, challenges in applying BLS and emergency first aid, and the development of a proposed three-year training plan to enhance community preparedness. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 292 respondents through a structured, locally adapted survey. Results revealed that residents had insufficient knowledge in both BLS (mean = 1.99) and emergency first aid (mean = 1.82), indicating uncertainty or a lack of confidence in applying these life-saving procedures. Although respondents were generally familiar with essential emergency procedures, they lacked the confidence and training to perform them effectively. Key challenges included limited knowledge, fear and panic during emergencies, lack of equipment, and dependence on emergency responders. Despite these issues, the community showed a strong willingness to learn, although limited access to training programs posed a barrier. In response, the study proposed a three-year training plan focusing on structured education, hands-on practice, and improved access to emergency tools. Strengthening emergency preparedness at the barangay level is vital for ensuring an effective first response to emergencies. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted, community-based programs to improve BLS and emergency first aid competency and build a more resilient and responsive local population.
Keywords
familiarity, emergency, training, response, awareness, basic life support
Author information & Contribution
Filibert Patrick F. Tad-awan. Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice with Specialization in Criminology. Program Chair, University of Baguio. Email: fptad-awan@e.ubaguio.edu
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work is funded by the University of Baguio, and the APC is paid by the University of Baguio.
Institutional Review Board Statement
This study was conducted following the ethical guidelines set by the University of Baguio. The conduct of this study has been approved and given relative clearance(s) by the University of Baguio.
AI Declaration
AI tools were not used in writing this paper.
Notes
Acknowledgement
References
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Cite this article:
Tad-awan, F.P.F. (2025). Life-saving skills in the community: An assessment of basic life support and first aid knowledge in a selected barangay in the Philippines. International Review of Social Sciences Research, 5(3), 208-224. https://doi.org/10.53378/irssr.353262
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