Seven First Minutes - Community Emergency Response Training

Abstract

Introduction:

Following a mass casualty incident (MCI), it can take several minutes for emergency medical services (EMS) to arrive. The course was developed by Magen David Adom (MDA) based on unique experience in dealing with MCIs, and the time between alerting emergency services to such an incident until they arrive. The course is focused on teaching the general public to channel their desire to help in such a situation into useful skills which can potentially improve patient outcomes. The seminar focuses on key principles such as safety, calling for help, providing an accurate picture of the scene, and initiating basic treatment with an emphasis on hemorrhage control.

Aim:

MDA examined the ability of the general public with no previous medical training to perform a basic triage and treatment in an MCI situation. Additionally, the study examined the abilities of the study groups to manage a scene until the arrival of EMS based on the principles taught in the course.

Methods:

MDA has sent teams of instructors around the world to teach over 1,000 participants. Upon completing the course, the participants partake in a drill that assesses their ability to manage a scene of 20 patients. Their ability to initiate the call for help, provide an accurate picture, initiate treatment, and give an accurate report to arriving emergency responders are examined.

Results:

The average times were recorded. Within 38 seconds, dispatch was alerted to the situation. Within 2:30 minutes, treatment was initiated for all patients. Within 4:37 minutes, the scene was fully under control, and within 6:37 minutes, an accurate report was transferred to EMS on the scene.

Discussion:

The participants demonstrated an unexpected willingness to learn, practice, and partake in the drills, and the results were unexpected.