Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: We conducted a prospective 18-month study in two mixed urban-rural Norwegian counties. The personnel on the first ambulance responding to trauma calls assessed and documented first aid performed by bystanders using a standard form. RESULTS: A total of 330 trauma calls were included, with bystanders present in 97% of cases. Securing an open airway was correctly performed for 76% of the 43 patients in need of this first-aid measure. Bleeding control was provided correctly for 81% of 63 patients for whom this measure was indicated, and prevention of hypothermia for 62% of 204 patients. Among the first-aid providers studied, 35% had some training in first aid. Bystanders with documented first-aid training gave better first aid than those where first-aid training status was unknown. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of the trauma patients studied received correct pre-hospital first aid, but still there is need for considerable improvement, particularly hypothermia prevention. Previous first-aid training seems to improve the quality of first aid provided. The effect on patient survival needs to be investigated.
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Authors | H K Bakke, T Steinvik, S-I Eidissen, M Gilbert, T Wisborg |
Journal | Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
(Acta Anaesthesiol Scand)
Vol. 59
Issue 9
Pg. 1187-93
(Oct 2015)
ISSN: 1399-6576 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 26088860
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Observational Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | © 2015 The Authors. The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. |
Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Female
- First Aid
(methods, statistics & numerical data)
- Humans
- Infant
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Norway
- Prevalence
- Prospective Studies
- Wounds and Injuries
(therapy)
- Young Adult
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