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Can training improve laypersons helping behaviour in first aid? A randomised controlled deception trial.
Stijn Van de Velde1, Ann Roex, Karoline Vangronsveld
1Belgian Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Leuven, Belgium. stijn.vandevelde@med.kuleuven.be
Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ
|May 8, 2012
Summary
Supplementary first aid training did not improve helping behavior in simulated emergencies. This study found no significant difference in seeking help or actions taken between groups, suggesting current training may need enhancement.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Psychology
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- Limited evidence suggests first aid training does not increase helping frequency.
- This study explored supplementary training to overcome barriers to helping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of supplementary training on reducing barriers to helping.
- To compare helping behavior after conventional first aid training versus conventional training plus barrier-reduction training.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with 72 participants.
- Experimental group received barrier-reduction training; control group received a standard lesson.
- Deception test used to measure help-seeking time and actions during a simulated emergency.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in help-seeking time or actions between groups.
- Help-seeking time was 55.5s (experimental) vs. 56.5s (control).
- 57% asked a bystander, 40% left to seek help, 3% did not seek help.
Conclusions:
- Supplementary training on barriers did not alter helping behavior.
- Opportunities exist to improve the timing and appropriateness of first aid provided.
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