The level of readiness of the EMERCOM of Russia employees to provide first aid in road and transportation accidents

Relevance. Timely competent provision of first aid by fire-fighters and rescuers can minimize the complications of injuries related to road traffic accidents, thereby supporting the lives of victims until the arrival of an ambulance team. Effective first aid training of the Emercom employees is a prerequisite for reducing mortality from road accidents at the pre-hospital stage.Intention. To analyze preparedness for first aid provision in the Udmurt Republic (Izhevsk city) among the EMERCOM of Russia employees directly involved in the elimination of the consequences of road accidents.Methodology. 199 employees of the Emercom of Russia were surveyed in the Udmurt Republic (Izhevsk) to assess their preparedness for the first aid provision based on a specially developed questionnaire.Results and Discussion. When processing the questionnaire data, it was found that 46.7 % of the respondents consider their knowledge and skills to be sufficient for providing first aid to victims of road accidents, 53.3 % are not satisfied with their practical skills. Before the arrival of medical workers, first aid was always provided to the injured by 10.5 %, sometimes by 31.2 % of the respondents. When tested on first aid issues, on average, each employee gave (73.1 ± 1.1) % correct answers. Periodically, 45.2 % of the EMERCOM of Russia employees practiced their skills in first aid on dummies.Conclusion. The results of the study showed the need to improve the regular training on the first aid among EMERCOM of Russia employees: to use dummies and simulators more widely. The data obtained can be used in planning the interagency interaction of services involved in the elimination of the consequences of road accidents, developing a work program for extended first aid for EMERCOM of Russia employees.