First-aid Training through Medical Simulation Technology: The Case of Small-Scale Fishers

Abstract

Introduction. Safety and human health conditions are precarious in small-scale fisheries notwithstanding are an important source of income and food for millions of people. First-aid training is vital for small-scale fishers because the high frequency of fatal and non-fatal injuries during fishing seasons, however, training it is extremely uncommon. Objective. The aim of this study was to implement and to evaluate a first-aid training course tailored for fishers’ using High Fidelity Medical Simulation Technology (HDMST). Methods: First-aid capacities strategy for CPR, choking and recovering position using HDMST were built for 32 small-scale fishers from the Yucatan coast. Fishers’ knowledge was evaluated before and after the training with rubrics and checklists along the maneuvers. Results: Participants’ age was 38 (±10) years old and the maximum educational level was equivalent to a college education. All fishers learned to recognize and react adequately in emergency situations and also to provide effective initial first-aid (individual maneuver efficacy ranged 89-99%). However, elderly and lower educational level influenced the achievements of training goals. Conclusion: The implementation and evaluation of first-aid training course based on HFMST was a well-accepted and effective strategy that increased knowledge and competences for proving first-aid life support among fisher divers from Yucatan, Mexico.