TY - JOUR PY - 2006// TI - Development, implementation and outcomes of a training program for responders to acts of terrorism JO - Prehospital emergency care A1 - Miller, Geoffrey T. A1 - Scott, Jennifer A. A1 - Issenberg, S. Barry A1 - Petrusa, Emil R. A1 - Brotons, Angel A. A1 - Gordon, David Lee A1 - McGaghie, W. C. A1 - Gordon, Michael S. SP - 239 EP - 246 VL - 10 IS - 2 N2 - 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
LA - en SN - 1090-3127 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10903120500541191 ID - ref1 ER -