Taxi driver training in Madagascar: the first step in developing a functioning prehospital emergency care system

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Global Health
• Prehospital Care Training

Background:

• Prehospital emergency medical services are underdeveloped in many developing countries.
• Formal Western emergency medical systems are often unaffordable.
• Layperson first responder programs are crucial for developing prehospital systems, as recommended by the WHO.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the inaugural training program for layperson first responders in Mahajanga, Madagascar.
• To establish a model for prehospital care training adaptable to resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• A 1-day training course was developed with local input for 26 taxi drivers.
• Curriculum covered scene management, trauma care, patient movement, and obstetrics.
• Training utilized commonly available materials and included translators.

Main Results:

• The training program was considered successful by both instructors and participants.
• Local doctors and international emergency medicine faculty collaborated.
• The course effectively trained taxi drivers in essential prehospital skills.

Conclusions:

• The program demonstrated a viable approach to enhancing prehospital care in developing regions.
• Further evaluation of knowledge retention is planned.
• Expansion to rural areas with local instructors is intended.