Phase 2 successfully launched: Fit4Reanimation – children and young people learn how to save lives
The Fit4Reanimation project, led by Karl Landsteiner Private University, has successfully entered its second phase: since September 2025, sixth-year pupils in Lower Austria have been receiving first aid and resuscitation training in school, alongside primary school pupils. The aim of the initiative is to familiarise children and young people with resuscitation and first aid at an early age in order to reduce inhibitions. They learn to react quickly and correctly in an emergency so that the rate of lay resuscitation increases in the long term.
Sudden cardiac death is the most common cause of death worldwide – in Austria, over 10,000 people die from it every year. Yet quick action can save lives: if resuscitation measures are started within the first few minutes, the chances of survival increase significantly. However, many people hesitate in an emergency – for fear of doing something wrong. In order to reduce inhibitions, raise awareness among the population and thereby increase the rate of resuscitation by laypeople, early contact with the topic has proven particularly effective, for example in the context of resuscitation lessons at school.
Erfolgreicher Start und neue Ziele
Die erste Phase des Projekts wurde bereits erfolgreich umgesetzt: Seit dem Schuljahr 2024/25 lernen Schüler:innen ab der 3. Schulstufe in Niederösterreich, Sudden cardiac death is the most common cause of death worldwide – in Austria, over 10,000 people die from it every year. Yet quick action can save lives: if resuscitation measures are started within the first few minutes, the chances of survival increase significantly. However, many people hesitate in an emergency – for fear of doing something wrong. In order to reduce inhibitions, raise awareness among the population and thereby increase the rate of resuscitation by laypeople, early contact with the topic has proven particularly effective, for example in the context of resuscitation lessons at school.
Successful start and new goals
The first phase of the project has already been successfully implemented: since the 2024/25 school year, pupils in Lower Austria from the 3rd grade onwards have been learning how to respond correctly when a person is lying motionless on the ground. The positive feedback and the great commitment of the schools confirm that resuscitation lessons work – even with young children.
The project is now entering its next phase: from the 2025/26 school year, ‘Fit4Reanimation’ will be extended to lower secondary schools. Pupils from Year 6 onwards will also learn how to save lives – in an age-appropriate, practical and sustainable way.
"The successful expansion of Fit4Reanimation to Year 6 marks another important milestone on our journey to make first aid and resuscitation an integral part of everyday school life. International experience clearly shows how effective early and regular training is – and that children and young people can make a decisive contribution to improving the chances of survival after a cardiac arrest," emphasises Manfred Wieser, Vice Rector for Education at Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences and instrumental in the implementation of the programme. ‘The fact that we are now reaching pupils in Lower Austria from primary school and lower secondary school onwards sends a strong signal: thanks to the dedicated cooperation of all the institutions involved, we are creating a comprehensive model that enables young people to act courageously and correctly in an emergency. In doing so, we are laying the foundation for a long-term and sustainable increase in the resuscitation rate by laypeople – and saving lives.’
The ‘Fit4Reanimation’ project as a pioneer
The ‘Fit4Reanimation’ project run by Karl Landsteiner Private University in collaboration with the student initiative emerKREMSy, University Hospital Krems, the Lower Austrian Youth Red Cross, the Lower Austrian University of Education, and the Lower Austrian Education Authority has a clear goal: to teach children how to respond correctly in an emergency in order to achieve better results in the long term.
Resuscitation belongs in school
Practice early – because those who learn to help at a young age will continue to do so as adults. The resuscitation lessons comprise two school hours, during which basic knowledge is taught and practical exercises are carried out. The lessons are taught by educators who are themselves trained by teaching staff and medical students from Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences and the University Hospital Krems.
Testing knowledge in a playful way – with the resuscitation quiz
A special component of the project is the ‘Fit4Resuscitation’ quiz challenge, which is available free of charge on the KL Krems website. It is aimed at children, young people and adults, teaches knowledge about resuscitation in a playful way and helps to break down inhibitions.
Your donation helps save lives
The project relies on donations to ensure that as many children and young people as possible can participate in ‘Fit4Reanimation’. Your support will help finance resuscitation manikins, training materials and training equipment. Every contribution counts – for a safe future and courageous helpers of tomorrow.
All information about the project: www.kl.ac.at/fit4reanimation
