Opportunities to increase compliance when administering first aid to children

Background: The effectiveness of emergency children care and first aid is influenced by several external and internal factors, which often do not receive sufficient attention during treatment. The aim of our research was to assess the factors that influences children’s cooperation in real situations. Methods: Our target group consisted of 80 children (<16 years) who required first aid at Lake Balaton during the summer vacation in 2016. The effect of music, child-friendly equipment and rewards on compliance were observed in contrast to ordinary care. For data collection observation, documentation, Wong–Baker and PSS (Pain Severity Score ) scales were used. For statistical analysis descriptive statistics, χ2-test and Cramer coefficient were applied. Results: The research justified that music did not result in any positive changes in behaviour and did not decrease fear or pain, and that the documentation became more difficult. However, colourful tools and rewards led to significant improvements in the children’s mood (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.001), and behaviour (p = 0.07). Conclusions: In first aid and professional medical training more emphasis should be placed on childcare specialities, highlighting differences in applied equipment and communication. Child-friendly equipment should be widely available, such as colourful tools and simple gifts, and during treatment greater attention should be paid to creating compliance. Adequate communication could help reduce the amount of analgesic given in children’s emergency care.