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24-Jul-2020
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Arch Hellen Med, 37(4), July-August 2020, 497-503 ORIGINAL PAPER The knowledge of first aid of officers in the Hellenic Police Force: A cross-sectional survey Ν. Tzenetidis,1 S. Melentzopoulos,2 C. Triantafyllou,3 V. Tzenetidis,4 G. Fildisis,1 P. Myrianthefs1 |
ΟBJECTIVE To evaluate the knowledge and skills in first aid (FA), basic life support (BLS), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation of Greek police officers (PO).
METHOD A cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017 using a specially designed self-completed questionnaire. The instrument, consisting of 53 questions (multiple choice and open-ended questions), was distributed to 700 PO serving in the Hellenic Police Force in the Attica prefecture.
RESULTS The response rate was 74.3% (520/700). More than 60% of the respondents knew that rescuer, victim and bystander safety must be ensured. The mean correct response rate on specific questions about FA, BLS and CPR was 34.8% (range: 0–85%). Although more than 60% knew what a defibrillator is, only 6.5% reported that they were trained in defibrillator use. Only 0.6% of the 520 participants provided ≥80% correct answers to the general-specific knowledge questions and 24.6% ≥50%. Training in FA was considered essential to providing appropriate services in their profession as POs by 92.3%, and 78.3% stated that they would spend their free time for their education in FA. The possession of a FA handbook would be helpful for POs, according to 84.4%. Multivariate logistic regression showed that independent predictors of 50% or more correct answers were: family-marital status, rank and computer skills.
CONCLUSIONS The level of knowledge and training of Attica POs on FA is very low. The organization of systematic training of POs is of paramount importance.
Key words: Basic life support, Educational needs, First aid, Hellenic Police Force.
