Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of First Aid and Emergency Care among the Classes Educated in Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Aims: To find an association between educational qualification of the participant and knowledge of first aid and emergency care. To understand the common misconceptions of First Aid practices among the educated class of Aurangabad. To conduct a seminar cum workshop session for the educated class of Aurangabad.

Study Design: Cross sectional study with a sample size of 700 participants. The candidates were provided with a questionnaire and a seminar demonstrating First aid and Emergency care was conducted post-questionnaire.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted among the educated class in the city of Aurangabad between October 2018 to February 2019.

Methodology: The candidates were selected from different schools, colleges, small firms, church gatherings and hotel staff. Data was collected using a self-administered pre – tested questionnaire. Based on the scores obtained in each condition, the overall knowledge was graded as good, moderate and poor. A seminar was conducted post questionnaire and the improvement in their knowledge was tested.

Results: Out of 700 candidates included in the study, 110(15.7%) were school going children, 60 (8.6%) were high school students, 50(7.1%) were college students, 280(40%) were graduates and 200(28.6%) were post graduates. 410(58.7%) had poor knowledge about First Aid and Emergency Care and only a mere 39(5.6%) had good knowledge about First Aid and Emergency Care. 105 candidates (15%) of the candidates believed that applying hot compresses relieves an ankle sprain. 77 candidates (11%) of the candidates believed that inducing vomiting is initial modality of management in a patient who accidentally ingested acid.

Conclusion: Initiation of First aid and Emergency care training programs among all age groups still remains an enigma. Conducting such workshops on First aid and Emergency Care among communities can make the citizens competitive enough to provide first aid independently and spontaneously in real life situations.