The Effect of Education on the Knowledge of Paramedic Staff in Using Cervical Collar in Patients With Head and Neck Trauma

Background and Aim: Cervical trauma is a major injury and although using cervical collar is the standard measure in trauma patients, it is not usually applied properly. This study aimed to examine the effect of education on the knowledge of paramedic staff regarding cervical collar use in patients with head and neck injuries. Methods and Materials/Patients: In this quasi-experimental study, 100 paramedic staff of Rasht Emergency Medical Services (EMS) participated through census sampling method. First, the knowledge of paramedics about utilizing cervical collar was examined using a researcher-made questionnaire. Then, those with low or intermediate knowledge were trained by the resident of emergency medicine. Instructional CDs, including materials on using the cervical collar were distributed among paramedics, too. After two weeks, their knowledge was tested by written and practical tests. By comparing the scores before and after the education, the effectiveness of the intervention was assessed. Results: All samples were male. Their Mean±SD age and work experience were 38.8±7.5 and 12.6±6.5 years, respectively. The results of pre-education knowledge survey showed that the 71 (69.6%) subjects had a moderate knowledge and 27 (26.47%) individuals had poor knowledge, and only 4 (3.9%) individuals had sufficient knowledge about using the cervical collar. Knowledge survey assessment after education in poor and moderate groups (n=98, 96.1%) showed that 73 (74.5%) subjects had good knowledge and 25 (25.5%) subjects had moderate knowledge. Nobody had weak knowledge. Conclusion: The paramedic staff knowledge of using cervical collar increased after holding an appropriate educational course. Therefore, the staff with low to intermediate knowledge should be trained at least once a year.