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.