Opportunity for a Community Health Fair Model of Bleeding Control Training

This study investigated the efficacy of training large and diverse audiences in bleeding control methods including tourniquets in community health fair settings.METHODS: A booth was utilized for bleeding control training at community health fairs via direct demonstrations of pressure, wound packing, and commercial and improvised tourniquet application followed by hands-on practice. Participants self-rated their perceived abilities while instructors rated the participant competency.RESULTS: 117 community members participated during two fairs, though not every person completed every portion of the training. Average age was 33 (range 6-82) and the majority were female (65.0%). There was no difference in self-perceived skill compared to trainer grading of participant's ability to identify life-threatening bleeding (112 (97.4%) vs 106 (97.2%); P = 1), apply pressure (113 (98.3%) vs 106 (97.2%); P = .68), and pack a wound (102 (88.7%) vs 92 (84.4%); P = .43). No difference in difficulty was noted in placing commercial vs improvised tourniquets (16 (43%) vs 14 (45%); P = .87). However, participants were overconfident in their ability to place tourniquets compared to trainer grading, respectively (112 (98.2%) vs 100 (91.7%; P = .03)).DISCUSSION: Community fair classes provide opportunities to train large and diverse audiences in bleeding control techniques. However, participants overestimated their ability to appropriately apply tourniquets. Further investigation is needed into best ...
Source: The American Surgeon - Category: Surgery Authors: Source Type: research