Beyond Willingness to Help in Rural Communities: First-Aid and CPR Knowledge and Associated Factors in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Early bystander intervention is important in rural trauma and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, where emergency response times are often prolonged. This study assessed first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge and identified predictors of passing knowledge among rural residents in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A cross-sectional anonymous questionnaire was administered to rural adults in Chiang Mai between October 2025 and March 2026. The survey assessed sociodemographic characteristics, emergency experiences, prior training, willingness to help, attitudes, and knowledge using 10 multiple-choice items covering first aid, hemorrhage control, and CPR. Passing required meeting the minimum score in all three knowledge domains. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with passing. Among 451 participants, 29.7% passed the knowledge assessment, despite high willingness to call for help (98.0%) and provide first aid (84.5%). Passing was independently associated with previous first-aid experience (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.04–3.99) and witnessing cardiac arrest (aOR 2.56, 95% CI 1.18–5.55), while older age and current smoking were negatively associated with passing; formal training was not independently associated. Key knowledge gaps involved scene safety, tourniquet use, and appropriate chest compression rates. First-aid and CPR knowledge was suboptimal despite high willingness to help. Targeted community training incorporating hands-on practice is needed to address specific skill deficits, particularly among older adults and non-healthcare occupational groups.