Assessment of the effectiveness of a course in major chemical incidents for front line health care providers: a pilot study from Saudi Arabia

• DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03427-2
• Publication Date: 2022-05-09T04:02:31Z
• Authors: Nidaa Bajow; Shahnaz Alkhalil; Nisreen Maghraby; Saleh Alesa; Amal Al Najjar; Samer Aloraifi
• Keywords: Debriefing; Triage; Mass gathering; Preparedness; Chemical warfare; Mass-casualty incident; Disaster Medicine

Abstract Background Mass chemical exposure emergencies are infrequent but can cause injury, illness, or loss of life for large numbers victims. These stretch and challenge the available resources healthcare systems within community. Political unrest in Middle East, including terrorist attacks against civilians Syria increasing industry accidents, have highlighted lack hospital preparedness incidents region. This study aimed to evaluate effectiveness a course designed empower frontline providers involved mass casualty with basic knowledge essential operational skills Saudi Arabia. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used develop blended learning, simulation enhanced, competency-based major front line providers. The by experts from different disciplines (disaster medicine, poisoning / toxicology, Hazard Material Threat - HAZMAT team) four stages. piloted over five days at Officers Club Ministry Interior (Riyadh, Arabia). 41 participants were government health discipline sectors country. Pre- post-tests assess learner while debriefing sessions after decontamination triage session simulation-enhanced exercises team performance assessment. Results overall scores significantly higher post-test (69.47%) than pre-test (46.3%). All domains also had significant differences between pre- results. There no pre disciplines. one-year post-event survey demonstrated that satisfied their retention. Interestingly, 38.3% opportunity put this into practice relation incidents. Conclusion Delivering foundation level learning enhanced training may improve response such turn national staff availability make crucial difference reducing impacts among