Our Cochrane review on first aid training for laypeople shows how stakeholder involvement can strengthen both the relevance and impact of research. Stakeholders were engaged throughout the entire review process — from defining the research question to interpreting and sharing the results.

Key findings
The evidence suggests that first aid training is likely to improve laypeople’s knowledge, practical skills, and confidence in the short term. However, there is still limited evidence on long-term effects, including whether training leads to sustained helping behaviour or improved health outcomes.

Why stakeholder involvement matters
Trainers, first responders, policy-makers, and other partners helped ensure that the review addressed real-world needs and practical challenges. Their input increased the usefulness of the findings for education, policy, and practice.

When ordinary people are the first to respond in an emergency, high-quality, evidence-based training can make a real difference.

Read more about it in this case study.