Implementation of the A* Algorithm in a First Aid Educational Game Application for Elementary School Students

First aid, immediate assistance for individuals facing illness, injury, or accidents, plays a crucial role in saving lives, preventing physical disabilities, and providing comfort before being referred to a healthcare center. This research presents comprehension and cultivates learning interest by developing an educational first-aid game in the Indonesian language, utilizing Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts and the $\mathrm{A}^{*}$ algorithm. The selection of the $\mathrm{A}^{*}$ algorithm is based on its efficiency in optimizing pathfinding through a heuristic-based approach. By employing heuristics, the number of nodes requiring evaluation can be significantly reduced, enabling Non-Playable Characters (NPC) or the ambulance character to swiftly and effectively determine the best routes for providing aid. This efficiency is particularly critical in illustrating the context of first aid, where every second has a profound impact on safety and health. The functionality of the game operates effectively, demonstrated by the successful independent $\mathrm{A}^{*}$ path testing. Additionally, the results from beta testing indicate a user satisfaction level of 92%, affirming the value of this game as a viable option for children or students unable to engage in extracurricular first aid activities at school. Essentially, this game facilitates the interactive, efficient, and comprehensible delivery of first aid knowledge, providing substantial benefits to society.