Paramedics' Newborn Life Support Knowledge and Skills Before and After a Targeted Simulation-Based Educational...

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Pediatric Resuscitation
• Medical Education

Background:

• Out-of-hospital neonatal resuscitation presents significant challenges for paramedics.
• Existing knowledge and skills in neonatal life support among paramedics require assessment and enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of simulation-based training on paramedics' knowledge of European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines for neonatal resuscitation.
• To assess the effect of this training on the quality of simulated bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation, specifically mask leak.

Main Methods:

• A 1-day simulation-based educational intervention was conducted for voluntary paramedics.
• Knowledge was assessed using a 20-item questionnaire before and after training.
• Bag-valve-mask ventilation quality was measured by face mask leakage using a respiratory function monitor (SMART).

Main Results:

• Participant knowledge scores significantly increased post-training (median 62.1% to 91.7%, p=0.001).
• The incidence of substantial mask leakage (>75%) during BVM ventilation decreased significantly (15.8% to 6.1%, p<0.001).
• Median mask leakage showed no significant difference, indicating improved consistency in ventilation technique.

Conclusions:

• Paramedic theoretical knowledge of ERC guidelines was initially moderate.
• Simulation-based training effectively improved theoretical knowledge of neonatal resuscitation.
• Targeted training significantly reduced critical mask leak during simulated neonatal BVM ventilation, enhancing resuscitation quality.