Citation

Miller GT, Scott JA, Issenberg SB, Petrusa ER, Brotons AA, Gordon DL, McGaghie WC, Gordon MS. Prehosp. Emerg. Care 2006; 10(2): 239-246.

Affiliation

Center for Research in Medical Education, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL 33101, USA. gmiller@med.miami.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, National Association of EMS Physicians, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10903120500541191

PMID

16531383

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Responding to acts of terrorism requires the effective use of public-safety and medical-response resources. The knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to respond to future threats is unfamiliar to most emergency responders. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this report to describe the development, implementation and evaluation of a multidisciplinary, interactive and simulation-enhanced course to prepare responders to acts of terrorism. METHODS: We used a 5-step systematic process to develop a blended-learning, simulation-enhanced training program. Learners completed a self-confidence questionnaire and written examination prior to the course and a self-confidence questionnaire, written examination and course evaluation when they finished the course. RESULTS: From July 7, 2003 to March 8, 2005, 497 consenting learners completed the course. After course completion, learners demonstrated significant increases in their knowledge of terrorism response (t = -64.3, df = 496, p < 0.05) and their confidence in responding to terrorist events (t = -45.5, df = 496, p < 0.05). Learner feedback about the course was highly positive. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully implemented a two-day course for professionals likely to respond to terrorist acts that included scenario-based performance training and assessment. Course participants increased their knowledge and were more confident in their ability to respond to acts of terrorism after participating in this course.

Language: en