First aid training in conflict zones: An interventional training study and a post-training knowledge assessment

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Emergency Medicine
• Medical Education

Background:

• Health systems in conflict zones like Syria are severely disrupted.
• First aid training for laypersons is crucial for reducing preventable mortality.
• This study focuses on evaluating first aid knowledge among university students in Syria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the post-training theoretical knowledge of Syrian university students in First Aid principles.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based first aid course in a conflict-affected region.

Main Methods:

• An interventional study involving 55 university students in Swaida, Syria.
• A 10-hour, evidence-based first aid course aligned with international guidelines.
• Post-training knowledge assessed via a validated 14-question instrument; data analyzed using non-parametric tests.

Main Results:

• High post-course knowledge demonstrated, with a median score of 13/14.
• No significant differences in scores based on faculty or prior training.
• Moderate positive correlation between academic year and knowledge score (r=0.425, p<0.01).
• Common knowledge gaps identified in managing shock and poisoning.

Conclusions:

• Structured first aid courses enhance theoretical knowledge in conflict settings.
• This training has the potential to build community-level emergency response capacity.
• Context-adapted first aid education should be integrated into public health initiatives in crisis-affected regions to improve resilience.