A SURVEY OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICAL SKILLS FOR PROVIDING FIRST AID IN DISASTER SITUATIONS

Abstract

Introduction: Over its centuries-old history of development, mankind has often faced the devastating effects of different disasters. They continue to occur in the present, causing human suffering and creating human needs that the survivors cannot cope with without help. Aim: To survey the knowledge and skills of people engaged in different branches of the national economy, in the region of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, with regard to providing first aid in disaster situations. Methods: An empirical sociological study was carried out by a direct group inquiry of 322 workers and employees in different branches of the national economy in the region of Stara Zagora. The study was carried out in the period January - December 2016. Results: The proper provision of timely and effective first aid calls for awareness of basic practical skills and competences. The prevailing opinion of the respondents is that they lack the skills to perform artificial respiration (52.17%), indirect heart massage (59.01%) and immobilization in case of fracture (53.11%), receptions for temporary hemostasis rule 54.35%, and techniques to apply a bandage - 72.67%. Conclusion: First aid skills and competences are of key importance for saving human lives in disaster zones.

Keywords

• disaster
• first aid
• general training of the population; empirical sociological study