ASSESSMENT OF FIRST AID KNOWLEDGE AMONG MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases and the associated sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) are the main cause of death in Poland and around the world. The immediate reaction of bystanders to the event increases the survivor’s chances of survival. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and declared skills of medical and non-medical students regarding the methods and techniques of first aid.
METHODS: During the period April–May 2017 at Collegium Mazovia Innovative University in Siedlce (Poland), a study was carried out using the anonymous questionnaire of author’s design on the principles of first aid. The survey was addressed to 200 part-time students of medical (medical emergency, nursing, physiotherapy) and non-medical (finance and construction) degrees.
RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the self-assessment of knowledge about first aid and the field of study (p < 0.001). The question “How do you evaluate your knowledge about first aid” by comparing the medical, financial and construction fields of study showed that a level assessed as very good was indicated by: 38% vs. 7% vs. 8% students, respectively. A good level was indicated by 51% vs. 37% vs. 24% of students respectively while an average level was shown by: 11% vs. 49% vs. 64% of students respectively. In addition, a lack of knowledge was displayed by: 0% vs. 7% vs. 4% of students, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicates that: (1) the state of non-medical students’ knowledge concerning first aid was unsatisfactory; (2) it is advisable to promote knowledge about current CPR guidelines in the non-medical student population.
Keywords: first aideducationCPRstudentsknowledge
References
- Sasson C, Rogers MAM, Dahl J, et al. Predictors of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2010; 3(1): 63–81.
- State Emergency Medical Service. Journal of Laws 2006; 191 pos. 1410. Act of 8 September 2006.
- Tomaszek L, Cepuch G, Turkanik E. Assessment of the selected factors determining the level of knowledge of the team of nurses on the cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Anestezjologia i Ratownictwo. 2016; 10: 265–272.
- Wojtczak A. The knowledge about CPR in the students of nursing. Puls Uczelni. 2015; 9.
- Pilip S, Wójcik A, Michalak G, et al. Knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among people employed in selected units cooperating with the National Emergency Medical Services. BiTP. 2015; 38: 133–140.
- Szarpak L, Patynowska AM, Kurowski A, et al. The knowledge on pediatric advanced life support in basic health caredoctors and paramedics. Nowa Pediatria. 2013; 2.
- Korba K, Kopański Z, Sianos G. The assessment of on–patrol–duty police officers’ knowledge on first aid in bullet wounds – a questionnaire study. Journal of Clinical Healthcare. 2015; 3.
- Maciąg D, Kocot E, Cichońska M, et al. The level of knowledge of selected uniformed services employees concerning the methods of providing first aid in life – threatening situations. Polish Journal of Health and Fitness. 2015; 1: 33–56.
- Blicharz M, Biernacka B. Level of knowledge of society concerning provision of pre–medical first aid. Aspekty Zdrowia i Choroby. 2016; 1.
- Grześkowiak M, Pytliński A, Frydrysiak K. The knowledge on resuscitation in wielkopolska community. Nowiny Lekarskie. 2008; 77: 19–24.
- Skitek I, Witt M, Goniewicz M. Assessment of the first aid knowledge among Poznań University students. Nowiny Lekarskie. 2012; 81(641): 646.
- Strzyżewska K, Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska W, Dąbrowski S, et al. Assessment of the level of knowledge about delivering first aid in emergency situations among students of Tri–city Metropolitan Area Colleges. Anestezjologia i Ratownictwo. 2012; 6: 41–52.
- Pietrzyk L, Witkowski G, Denisow M, et al. Assessment of first aid knowledge among employees of industrial workplaces. Anestezjologia i Ratownictwo. 2015; 9: 168–174.
- Chemperek E, Goniewicz M, Włoszczak–Szubzda A, et al. Level of knowledge of secondary school adolescents and students concerning first aid. Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu. 2011; 17: 174–179.