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Post-Crash First Response by Traffic Police in Nepal: A Feasibility Study

Author

Listed:
  • Gary Smart

    (Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1DD, UK)

  • Amrit Banstola

    (Division of Global Public Health, Department of Health Sciences, Brunel University London, London UB8 3PH, UK)

  • Raju Raut

    (Nepal Red Cross Society, First Aid Division, Kathmandu 44614, Nepal)

  • Krishna Ghimire

    (Nepal Red Cross Society, First Aid Division, Kathmandu 44614, Nepal)

  • Julie Mytton

    (Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1DD, UK)

  • Elisha Joshi

    (Nepal Injury Research Centre, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu University, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal)

  • Sunil Joshi

    (Nepal Injury Research Centre, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu University, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal)

Abstract

Background: Road traffic injuries are a significant and increasing public health burden in Nepal, but there is no national coverage of regulated and standardized emergency medical service systems. Therefore, this study was designed to develop a first responder trauma training program for the Nepal traffic police and to evaluate the feasibility of its delivery and follow up. Methods: A training needs assessment with traffic-police officers in a single district of Nepal informed the development of a 3-day first-response course which was provided to officers in May 2019. Participants were supplied with a trauma-pack and asked to complete a report form when first-responder skills were used. Knowledge and confidence face-to-face surveys were used before and after training to assess learning, and were repeated at 6 months to assess retention of knowledge. The surveys at 6 months assessed the factors affecting application of first response skills. Results: Most (97%) participants believed giving first-aid was part of their responsibilities and 95% had experience of transporting road crash victims to hospital with a range of injuries. Low levels of first-aid training and variable course content were reported. Knowledge and confidence scores improved post-intervention but were reduced at 6-months. During attendance at 303 road crashes in the 6-months follow-up period, 44% of the participants self-reported using at least one skill from the course; applying them on 92 occasions. Incident report-forms were frequently not completed. Barriers to providing treatment included: the patient already en-route to hospital when police arrived at scene; resistance to providing care from relatives or bystanders; and competing police duties (e.g., traffic management). Conclusions: Delivering a first-response training program for traffic-police in Nepal is feasible. Knowledge was retained and used, and skills were in frequent demand. A study of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness appears warranted to determine if extending the training to other districts can improve outcomes in road traffic injury patients in the absence of formal emergency medical services.

Suggested Citation

  • Gary Smart & Amrit Banstola & Raju Raut & Krishna Ghimire & Julie Mytton & Elisha Joshi & Sunil Joshi, 2022. "Post-Crash First Response by Traffic Police in Nepal: A Feasibility Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-9, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:14:p:8481-:d:860485
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dewan Md Emdadul Hoque & Md Irteja Islam & Shumona Sharmin Salam & Qazi Sadeq-ur Rahman & Priyanka Agrawal & Aminur Rahman & Fazlur Rahman & Shams El-Arifeen & Adnan A. Hyder & Olakunle Alonge, 2017. "Impact of First Aid on Treatment Outcomes for Non-Fatal Injuries in Rural Bangladesh: Findings from an Injury and Demographic Census," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-15, July.
    2. Amrit Banstola & Jesse Kigozi & Pelham Barton & Julie Mytton, 2020. "Economic Burden of Road Traffic Injuries in Nepal," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-13, June.
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