Evaluating Knowledge and Performance of Emergency Medical Services Staff Regarding Pre-Hospital Triage

Abstract

Introduction: One of the important indices of preparedness for accidents and disasters is evaluation of knowledge and performance of emergency medical services (EMS) staff regarding principles of triage. Therefore, the present study was done with the aim of determining the knowledge and performance of EMS staff regarding START pre-hospital triage in 2016. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on EMS staff in north of Khuzestan province. Individuals who met the inclusion criteria were included via census sampling. Data were gathered via a questionnaire consisting of 5 demographic data questions, 15 triage knowledge questions and 19 triage performance questions. The data were then statistically analyzed. Results: 117 individuals with the mean age of 33.21 ±6.08 years and mean job experience of 7.35 ± 4.32 years participated all of whom were male. Mean knowledge of the studied population regarding triage was average (mean score: 9.44) and their performance score revealed that their performance was also average (mean score: 9.58). Conclusion: Based on the findings of the current study, knowledge and performance of EMS staff in north of Khuzestan province was average regarding pre-hospital triage.