Many people want to help in an emergency, but aren’t sure what to do. For many, taking a full first aid course feels like a big commitment. EHBO Simplified, an initiative by Avans University of Applied Sciences, Het Oranje Kruis and SIA, is exploring a different approach: short microlearning sessions where participants learn, practise and receive personal feedback in just a few minutes.
During Zwarte Cross 2026, the team tested whether this approach works in a real festival setting. Visitors received a short lesson on CPR, choking or the recovery position. They then practised the skills themselves, followed by an immediate assessment of what they had learned.
The results are promising. 174 visitors took part, 69% of whom were under 30. For many, first aid was new: 27% had never taken a first aid course and for 18.4%, it had been more than five years ago.
After the microlearning, 97.1% said they had a better idea of what to do. Confidence also increased: 92.5% felt more confident about taking action and 89.7% said they would be quicker to help.
The learning format was also very well received. 98.3% rated the instruction as good or excellent, while 89.1% said they liked the short, hands-on approach. Practising the skills themselves was mentioned 61 times as something that helped participants understand and remember the information. Clear, step-by-step instructions were mentioned 46 times.
The festival also proved to be a great place to reach people who might not normally take a first aid course. 41% of participants had never considered taking one before.
The next step is to further develop and standardise the approach, while adding new modules and giving extra attention to topics where participants had less prior knowledge. The team also wants to find out whether people still remember the skills and feel confident using them weeks or months later.
Together with Het Oranje Kruis, the team is also exploring how the approach can be rolled out more widely while maintaining quality. And who knows? EHBO Simplified might soon be helping people prepare for emergencies at more festivals.
A few minutes of practice could make all the difference when it really matters.