Where There Is No Paramedic: The Sachigo Lake Wilderness Emergency Response Education Initiative

Aaron Orkin,Karen Born,Sarah Strickland,Jackson Beardy,David Vanderburgh,Mike Webster

doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001322

Abstract

Aaron Orkin and colleague describe their collaboration that developed, delivered, and studied a community-based first response training program in a remote indigenous community in northern Canada.

Highlights

Indigenous people face poor health outcomes in comparison with the Canadian population [1,2]
We report on the Sachigo Lake Wilderness Emergency Response Education Initiative (SLWEREI), a collaboration between physicians, first aid educators, researchers, and a remote indigenous community to develop and deliver a life supporting first aid (LSFA) program in northern Canada
Life Supporting First Aid Training In many remote communities without formal paramedical services, laypeople and bystanders provide all on-site emergency care

Summary

Introduction

Wounds and Burns Medical Problem Approaches including diabetic emergencies, chest pain, abdominal pain, overdose, seizure Simulation & de-brief. TEACHING STYLES classroom teaching practical skills training simulation-based learning. Need training on how properly to transport patients, whether by boat ... Simulation-based education reinforced principles learned in classroom and small group sessions, and brought real-world situations to life in an accessible way for all participants, regardless of educational background. Local participants identified local LFSA training as an important public health and health promotion intervention. Participants identified the longitudinal integration of evaluation, intensive debriefing, and open question-and-answer sessions as important and engaging parts of the program. Combining evaluation and reflection with skills training and practice enhanced a sense of community capacity and growth. Through this approach, does LSFA increase confidence in individuals, and builds community resilience for remote populations. I can call someone closer to respond.’’ Another indicated, ‘‘We’re all going to benefit from it— the participants, but the general public from our community.’’

Background

Results

Discussion

Future Directions and Conclusions