O14.5 Perception and knowledge of appropriate first aid care in burn related injuries: survey of English University students

Abstract

Rationale: Adequate first aid for a burn related injury (BRI) is to apply cool running water to the area for 20 minutes and is an important factor in reversing the zone of stasis to healthy tissue, so reducing BRI surface area and depth. This study aimed to compare BRI first aid knowledge between future healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers and propose realistic recommendations to address any shortcomings. Method: A survey proforma was used to collect participant demographics and responses to four multiple choice scenarios involving BRI first aid. An online survey client was used to disseminate the survey to students attending two English Universities and collate the responses. Results: 1146 students participated: 325 (28.4%) were Student Doctors (SDs) and the remaining 821 (71.6%) were non-SDs. 736 (64.2%) students, including 246 SDs, had completed a first aid course, with 528 (71.7%) covering BRIs. 119 (10.4%) answered all scenarios correctly; 30 were SDs and 89 were non-SDs, with 86 (72.3%) having attended a first aid course. Dividing the SD cohort by first aid attendance revealed: 157 (63.8%), 142 (57.7%), 130 (52.8%) and 97 (39.4%) attendees correctly answered questions one, two, three and four respectively; compared to 44 (55.7%), 40 (50.6%), 33 (41.8%) and 26 (32.9%) non-attendees who correctly answered the same questions respectively. Dividing the non-SD cohort by first aid attendance revealed: 273 (55.7%), 324 (66.1%), 244 (49.8%) and 175 (35.7%) attendees correctly answered questions one, two, three and four respectively; compared to 172 (52.0%), 211 (63.7%), 128 (38.7%) and 74 (22.4%) non-attendees who correctly answered the same questions respectively. Conclusion: First aid experience improved participant’s responses, but overall knowledge of BRI first aid was poor. Not all first aid courses covered BRIs and not all SDs had completed a first aid course. Suggested recommendations: All first aid courses should cover BRIs; SDs should undertake a compulsory first aid course; and BRI first aid training should be more widely available to the general public through public health measures.