Factors influencing paramedics\u2019 and emergency medical technicians\u2019 level of knowledge about the 2015 basic life support guidelines

Celal Levent Kayadelen,Polat Durukan,Ayşe Nilgün Kayadelen

doi:10.1186/s12873-021-00474-8

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge level and factors affecting the current CPR knowledge level among EMTs and paramedics working in the Kayseri 112 emergency health system.MethodsThis survey aimed to reach all paramedics and emergency medical technicians working in the 112 emergency health system in Kayseri province. The data collection consists of sociodemographic/occupational characteristics, CPR training and practice characteristics and 20 four-choice CPR knowledge questions. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the independent variables that affect the number of correct answers given to the questionnaire.Results305 healthcare professionals were included in this study. 57.0% (n = 174) of the participants were female and 56.1% were under the age of 30. It was found that 65.6% (n = 200) of the healthcare professionals were EMTs, and 48.6% (n = 148) had been working for 6–10 years. The mean number of correct responses based on the 20 questions asked was 12.76 ± 3.11. In multivariable analysis, it was determined that having received training on CPR after 2015, having participated in a course or seminar on CPR in the last 3 months and having practiced defibrillation/cardioversion during CPR significantly increased the level of knowledge regarding CPR (respectively, p < 0.01, p = 0.025, p = 0.045).ConclusionCPR trainings, which have been received recently and based on the current guidelines, increase the level of CPR knowledge and the increasing knowledge level affects the use of defibrillation/cardioversion. Improving training increases knowledge and practice.

Highlights

This study aimed to determine the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge level and factors affecting the current CPR knowledge level among emergency medical technicians (EMT) and paramedics working in the Kayseri 112 emergency health system
As emergency medical technicians (EMT) and paramedics working in the 112 emergency aid system are the people most likely to encounter a cardiopulmonary arrest patient outside the hospital, they are the person whose skills and knowledge should have the highest level of compliance with the current CPR guidelines
While there are studies in the literature with regard to the level of knowledge on CPR among different healthcare professionals, studies that focus on EMTs and paramedics who are primarily assigned for pre-hospital CPR are quite limited

Summary

Introduction

This study aimed to determine the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge level and factors affecting the current CPR knowledge level among EMTs and paramedics working in the Kayseri 112 emergency health system. Studies show that healthcare professionals prove to be insufficient in compliance with the recommendations of current CPR guidelines and their CPR applications are ineffective [5,6,7,8,9,10,11]. As emergency medical technicians (EMT) and paramedics working in the 112 emergency aid system are the people most likely to encounter a cardiopulmonary arrest patient outside the hospital, they are the person whose skills and knowledge should have the highest level of compliance with the current CPR guidelines. While there are studies in the literature with regard to the level of knowledge on CPR among different healthcare professionals, studies that focus on EMTs and paramedics who are primarily assigned for pre-hospital CPR are quite limited

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