Abstract
Aim: The main purpose of this study was to assess the medical knowledge and competence of firefighter rescue teams in the use of medical equipment when providing medical first aid at a scene of an incident. Additionally, medical staff evaluated medical procedures performed by firefighters and examined the level of satisfaction achieved from the collaborative partnership with establishments of the National Rescue and Firefighting System (NRFS).
Project and methods: A survey was performed amongst 129 personnel from medical rescue teams, who were employed as ambulance crew. The survey contained 17 questions. Some questions concerned the knowledge of medical procedures, which can be performed by firefighters after the successful completion of a first aid qualifying course and about equipment used by the NRFS, including a R1 rescue set. Other questions, with a scaled character, asked respondents for subjective assessments based on personal experience, about the quality of performed procedures undertaken by firefighters and also sought to identify the level of satisfaction from collaborative operations. Finally, respondents were asked to comment about expectations they aspired for from firefighters.
Results: Some 39.5% of respondents correctly identified which equipment can be used by firefighters, while 12% correctly indicated the scope of their competence. Respondents who declared an association with the first aid training qualification provided correct answers more frequently. The majority of respondents (97.8) know about the existence of medical procedures and were familiar with their content superficially (42%). The ability to clear an airway passage received the lowest score in the assessment (average score 2.90) whereas chest compressions ability was rated the highest (average score 3.72). About 93% of respondents considered that combined training is good for improving cooperation between firefighters and emergency medical teams. Among other issues, it was proposed that the first aid qualification course should be increased in duration and practical training should take place in healthcare establishments. Average satisfaction rating stood at 3.4.
Conclusions: It is appropriate to take necessary steps and broaden the knowledge of medical rescue team members within the scope of the NRFS medical rescue organisation. It is also appropriate to find the cause for low assessment scores associated with rescue procedures performed by firefighters.
Keywords: organization of rescue activity, medical rescue, Fire Service, medical rescue team, collaboration
Type of article: original scientific article