TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE,ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ABOUT PREHOSPITAL CARE OF TRAUMATIC SPINAL CORD INJURY AMONG EMS STUDENTS, PUNE,INDIA.

Abstract

Background- Traumatic Spinal Cord injuries (TSCI) are defined as the key factors of mortality and disability. If acute trauma of spinal cord is not recognized and intervened it may cause secondary injury to spinal column. It is therefore very important to create an awareness amongst Emergency medical Services personnel regarding the initial first aid management and transportation of the patients afflicted with spinal cord injuries. Objective- To assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Prehospital care of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury among Emergency Medical Service students Methods-The KAP study was conducted among 150 Postgraduate students of Emergency Medical Services at SCHS, Pune, India. The questionnaire consisted of 13 items based on 3 parameters -5 testing Knowledge, 5 measuring Attitude and 5 measuring Practice related to out hospital care of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries. Discussion- Majority of the students scored well in items testing the need to take care of maintaining the alignment of head, neck and spine. Majority students were aware of the importance of reassuring a responsive spinal injury patient and asking them not to move there head but a significant percentage of students answered incorrectly on when they should suspect a spinal injury. Conclusion- EMS students showed encouraging level of KAP with regards to TSCI but there are areas of improvement. Improving KAP of EMS students can significantly impact the outcome in spinal injury patients.