In the plan of first aid action of Finnish Red Cross for years 2009–2014 is the aim, that there should be one person with first aid skills in every Finnish home. In the same time the changes in society have influenced people’s sense of courage of helping others. In big cities people don’t start to help others, because they may think that somebody has already done something. There is a need to find new methods to influence people’s sense of courage to help.

The purpose of the thesis was to test the usability of the progressive inquiry learning methods in first aid education. The first aid courses using progressive inquiry learning methods were organized in one Finnish education organization. The learning experiences of students were collected by a feedback form. The data was analyzed by using a content analysis and creating themes.

The main learning experiences of students were helping activities in the accidents or attacks and resuscitation skills. The two main learning experiences arose from learning environments where progressive inquiry was used. According to the study collaborative studying methods enhance the progress of student’s abilities to help in the emergency situations. The increased skills were based on the understanding of the importance of one’s own actions and the possibilities they had to help. The final products of the thesis were three different lessons using progressive inquiry learning methods. These lessons are available for use in first aid courses. In the future the purpose is to continue developing work so, that there would be more lessons using progressive inquiry learning methods for first aid education.