A Breathtaking Picnic 4.1

This interactive application presents an engaging and educational narrative designed to introduce children to the importance of basic emergency response skills, emphasizing that lives can be potentially saved through simple, prompt actions.

Developed by Elastico — a recipient of the Premio Andersen literary award in 2015 — the app was created in collaboration with the non-profit organization IRC (Italian Resuscitation Council) as part of the "Kids Save Lives" initiative, which is supported by the World Health Organization to promote first aid knowledge among school-age children.

The storyline featuring Tum-Tum the Bear and the Squirrel Family offers an accessible and playful approach to teaching vital concepts: in emergencies such as cardiac arrest and choking, immediate action is essential. The app encourages children to learn these life-saving steps through interactive gameplay, fostering engagement and retention. Users are invited to immerse themselves in a magical woodland universe, listen to the story, and interact with various elements on screen—an approach that aims to make learning both fun and memorable. Additionally, dedicated sections for parents provide critical information on how to respond effectively in emergency situations.

The Italian Resuscitation Council (IRC) is a longstanding non-profit scientific organization dedicated to educating the public about CPR and cardiorespiratory emergencies. Since 2013, IRC has organized numerous awareness campaigns across Italy, including Viva! — a week dedicated to promoting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (more information available at www.settimanaviva.it).

The 2022 update of this resource was supported by Azienda USL di Bologna (www.ausl.bologna.it) with contributions from the Fondazione del Monte di Bologna e Ravenna (www.fondazionedelmonte.it).