Citation

Wallace HJ, O'Neill TB, Wood FM, Edgar DW, Rea SM. Burns 2013; 39(6): 1162-1169.

Affiliation

Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Surgery, The University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia. Electronic address: hilary.wallace@uwa.edu.au.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.burns.2013.02.007

PMID

23590966

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated demographic factors, experience of burn/care and first aid course attendance as factors influencing burn first aid knowledge. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken using convenience sampling of members of sporting and recreation clubs. The main outcome measure was the proportion of correct responses to multiple-choice questions relating to four burn scenarios: (1) scald, (2) contact burn, (3) ignited clothing, and (4) chemical burn. RESULTS: A total of 2602 responses were obtained. Large gaps (30-50% incorrect answers) were identified in burn first aid knowledge across all scenarios. 15% more individuals gave correct answers if they had attended a first aid course compared to those who had not (p<0.0001); this proportion increased if the course was undertaken within the previous five years (p<0.0001) or contained a burns-specific component (p<0.0001). Males and younger (≤25 years) and older (≥65 years) age-groups had relatively lower levels of burn first aid knowledge. Gender and age were significant predictors of first aid course attendance, with males and younger (≤25 years) and older (≥65 years) age-groups less likely to have attended a first aid course. CONCLUSION: In this sample, first aid training undertaken within the last 5 years with a specific burns component was associated with enhanced burn first aid knowledge.

Language: en