The objective of this study is to measure the effect of an innovative training programme on the help seeking behaviour and helping rates of bystanders in medical emergencies.
A systematic review on the effects of first aid training concluded that training must also include ways to overcome obstacles to bystander intervention. This could lead to better help and higher helping rates in medical emergencies. The objective of this paper is to measure the effect of an innovative training programme on the help seeking behaviour and helping rates of bystanders in medical emergencies. We chose to test the helping behaviour for acute myocardial infarction because it is an important cause of mortality and invalidity. While the victim is urgently in need of help, delay in seeking professional help is an important problem.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
144
The objective of the helping behaviour curriculum is to sensitise participants to develop a helping reaction, and to teach participants how to deal with barriers to helping. The helping behaviour curriculum is being taught in 2hours.
Two hours training on first aid for alcohol and drug incidents
Belgian Red Cross-Flanders
Mechelen, Belgium
Delay time for seeking help during deception experiment
Time to seeking help was measured between the simulated patient grabbing the heart and the study participant opening the door to get help.
Time frame: within 4 weeks after the control or intervention training
Rate of helping during deception experiment
This refers to the number of participants that assessed the victim, or asked for help, or provided direct help to the victim during the test.
Time frame: within 4 weeks after control or intervention training
First aid self efficacy belief
scores on 6 questions related to helping behaviour barriers with the following structure: " I will do x (action) even if y (barrier)"
Time frame: within 15 minutes after experimental or control intervention
Impact of event
This indicates how shocking the study participants found the simulated emergency situation
Time frame: Within 15 minutes after deception experiment
State of mood
Indication of how study participants feel after being told about the deception.
Time frame: Within 15 minutes after deception experiment
Credibility of deception
Indication of how credible study participants found the simulated emergency situation
Time frame: Within 15 minutes after deception
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