XIVTH NATIONAL VERIFICATION OF CIVIL PROTECTION AND RED CROSS FIRST AID TEAMS QUALIFICATION – ANALYSIS OF TEAMS’ WORK

Abstract

In the event of a major natural and other disaster we may have to deal with a great number of injured and/or sick persons all at once; in addition the circumstances may prevent fast access by professional medical services to the affected population. In such conditions, the importance of the forces for protection and relief is apparent; these include first aid teams. On 11th October 2008 in Novo Mesto, the XIVth national verification of Civil Protection and Red Cross first aid teams was held. All fourteen participating teams provided first aid to 26 injured and sick persons at the six working places (simulated accidents). The analysis of the teams’ work showed that there are significant differences as far as the qualification of teams is concerned. Successful teams take care of their own safety and the injured person’s safety, evaluate the person’s responsiveness and the degree to which they are injured and provide proper care. Some weaknesses were noticed during the teams’ work, and greater attention will have to be dedicated in the future to their elimination. Analysis of the team leaders’ operations showed that leaders who are involved in operational activities (i.e. who provide first aid) are not efficient as team leaders. Additional training is needed both for team leaders as well as refresher training for team members (for all age groups). In the future, greater importance will have to be placed on the protection of the sick person from the weather, the approach to persons experiencing psychological trauma and on the transportation of the injured person. Regional and national evaluations act as a great incentive and contribute to increasing the knowledge and skills of the first aid teams. It makes sense to continue organizing them in the future.