Knowledge and acceptance of first aid and travel insurance in hostelers from north and central Queensland, Australia.

Abstract

Conservatively, it is estimated that between 30 to 50% of travelers become ill or whilst traveling.¹ The risk of severe injury is thought to be greater for people when traveling abroad.² It may be that travelers will be called upon to assist a fellow traveler or even themselves using principles of first aid, with assistance of a traveler's medical or first aid kit. First aid is the initial care of sick and injured by people at scene.³ (p12). Subsequent emergency care in field is referred to as prehospital care, which would normally be provided by salaried ambulance officers, paramedics, nurses or doctors, who may administer drugs or use high technology equipment.⁴ (p38). In some instances, prehospital care may not be available and first aid may have to continue until hospital or medical care is found. In Australia, there are a number of major providers of first aid training. These include St John Ambulance Australia, Surf Life Saving Australia, Royal Life Saving Society, Australian Red Cross Society, and state ambulance services.⁴ About 250,000 of Australia's population of about 19 million people receive first aid training each year.⁵