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Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Education and Training – Improving Disaster Preparedness with the Portuguese Emergency Medical Team (PT EMT) E-Learning Course

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 November 2022

Luis Manuel Ladeira
Affiliation:
PT EMT - National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), Lisbon, Portugal
Ivo Manuel Cardoso
Affiliation:
PT EMT - National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), Lisbon, Portugal
Ana Margarida Correia
Affiliation:
PT EMT - National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), Lisbon, Portugal
Fátima Rato
Affiliation:
PT EMT - National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), Lisbon, Portugal
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Abstract

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Background/Introduction:

EMT’s training is considered of high importance for disaster preparedness and response. The PT EMT, joined the TEAMS 3.0 Consortium, seeking to develop a universal training program for EMTs.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the PT EMT E-learning Course in preparing trainees for disaster during their EMT initial training.

Method/Description:

The analyzed data were collected through the application of a final questionnaire, which aimed to assess the effectiveness of the topics covered and the self-perception of disaster preparedness. A total of 31 trainees attended the E-learning Course, but only 25 answers were collected.

Results/Outcomes:

The results showed that 92% of the trainees considered as the most important themes three areas: (1) Disaster and Humanitarian Principles; (2) Safety & Self-Protection; and (3) Disaster Logistics. The overall mean score was 4.52 points (SD = 0.770) out of five for the importance of this training for the performance of their mission roles and 4.48 points (SD = 0.770) in the contribution of these contents to their individual development. After completing this E-learning module, 88% consider themselves better prepared to disaster response and to attend the practical module of the initial training program.

Conclusion:

The PT EMT E-learning Course, preceding the practical TEAMS 3.0 course, proved to be effective in the preparation of trainees for the practical training, but especially, it adds a huge variety of important knowledge, solidifying their preparedness for disaster response.

The development of common training bases for EMTs, with both modules, will improve the disaster preparedness and response.

Type
Meeting Abstracts
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine

References

References (optional)

Bodas, M, et al. Training Package for EMT Deployed to Disaster Stricken Areas: Has “TEAMS” Achieved its Goals? Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. 2021;16(2):663669.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Camacho, NA, et al. Education and training of EMT: recommendations for a global operational learning framework. PLoS Currents. 2016;8.Google Scholar
Ladeira, LM, et al. PT EMT – Portuguese EMT Type 1 Relief Mission in Mozambique. Prehospital Disaster Medicine. 2021;36(5):651653.Google Scholar
Perpiñá-Galvañ, J, et al. European educational programs in health emergency and disaster management: an integrative review. IJERPH. 2021;18(21).Google Scholar