Objective To investigate the current status of first aid knowledge among middle-aged and elderly residents aged 50 and above in a community in Shanghai， in order to provide reference for improving the self-rescue and mutual aid capabilities of middle-aged and elderly residents.

Methods A multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to conduct a survey on 335 residents aged 50 and above in a community in Shanghai using a self-made survey questionnaire. The current situation and related factors of emergency knowledge level of residents aged 50 and above in the community were comprehensively analyzed.

Results First aid knowledge level of 335 residents aged 50 and above was low， and the rate of high cognitive level was only 24.18%. Univariate analysis showed that male residents had a higher awareness rate than female residents （P=0.044）， while residents aged 70 and above and 60‒ had lower awareness rates than residents aged 50‒ （P<0.05）. Residents with chronic diseases had a higher awareness rate than those who did not （P=0.031）. Residents with family members suffering from chronic diseases had a higher awareness rate than those without （P<0.001）. Experience of first aid training affected residents’ awareness of first aid （P=0.003）.

Conclusion The level of first aid knowledge among middle-aged and elderly residents aged 50 and above in the community is low. Age， the presence of chronic diseases in family members， and emergency training are independent and relevant factors that affect the awareness of first aid knowledge among middle-aged and elderly residents. The government and relevant institutions should explore the establishment of a standardized emergency response training system， implement classification and grading for middle-aged and elderly groups with different characteristics， and provide targeted emergency training to strengthen their self-rescue and mutual aid capabilities and improve the success rate of pre-hospital emergency care.