Video-Based Stop the Bleed Training: A New Era in Education

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Trauma Surgery
• Public Health Education

Background:

• Uncontrolled bleeding is a primary cause of preventable death.
• The "Stop the Bleed" (StB) program empowers laypersons with hemorrhage control skills.
• Evaluating novel training modalities is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of a video-based training program for "Stop the Bleed" skills.
• To measure changes in participant confidence and proficiency in direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquet application.
• To explore the potential for remote learning to expand StB program reach.

Main Methods:

• 106 participants completed a skills examination after watching didactic and technical videos on StB techniques.
• Confidence levels in performing direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquet application were assessed at baseline, post-didactic video, and post-skills examination.
• Paired categorical and continuous variables were analyzed using McNemar-Bowker and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, respectively.

Main Results:

• Confidence in performing direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquet application significantly increased from baseline to post-video and post-skills examination (P < 0.0001).
• High percentages of participants demonstrated proficiency in all three skills during the skills examination (96% direct pressure, 99% wound packing, 89% tourniquet application).
• The majority of participants found the video course effective (98%) and engaging (79%).

Conclusions:

• Video-based training, combined with a standardized skills examination, effectively enhances layperson confidence and competence in "Stop the Bleed" skills.
• This innovative training model demonstrates potential for widespread dissemination of hemorrhage control education.
• Remote learning modalities can significantly broaden the reach and impact of public health initiatives like "Stop the Bleed".