ICalled-DIY Device for Hands-On and Low-Cost Adapted Emergency Call Learning: A Simulation Study

Objective: To assess the efficacy of a low-cost, Do-It-Yourself training material for emergency call simulation training, compared to a more traditional approach. Methods: A quasi-experimental design without pre-test was used. A final sample of 762 schoolchildren, aged three to twelve years, received two training programmes. The control group (C-G) received training using an adult dummy and an authentic smartphone (336 schoolchildren). The experimental group (ICall-G) was trained using a stuffed toy and the ICalled-DIY device, a low-cost simulation consisting of three sheets of paper held together by a ring that simulates a smartphone. The 20 min training was delivered by a nurse using a didactic-demonstration-simulation methodology. The evaluation consisted of a simulation scenario, in which participants had to identify the emergency and make a call and were then evaluated with a checklist. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in unlocking the phone (ICall-G: 84% vs. C-G: 83%; p = 0.78) or dialling 112 to make the call (ICall-G: 91% vs. C-G: 91%; p = 0.89). Hands-free activation in ICall-G was significantly higher (81%) compared to C-G (54%) (p < 0.001). At the pre-primary level, results were lower than those observed in primary education, with minimal differences between the first cycle of primary education and subsequent cycles. Conclusions: The use of a practical, low-cost and adapted tool for emergency call instruction was found to be comparable to a conventional approach. In addition, the use of the ICalled-DIY device was found to be more effective in facilitating the understanding of hands-free activation.