Do university programs prepare the paramedic for paediatric trauma patients?

Introduction: Paediatric trauma patients account for approximately 4% of emergency 999 calls each year. Because these are not frequent calls, the paramedic often feels unprepared and desires more training and simulation in managing them. The primary aim of the study is to Identify the nature and duration of paediatric trauma training on paramedic training provider courses in the UK. It will also evaluate the confidence of students and newly qualified paramedics in the assessment and management of paediatric trauma and traumatic cardiac arrest patients. Methods: A database search was conducted using CINAHL, Medline, academic search complete and expanded to include academic databases such as education source, open dissertations, and teacher reference centre. This search produced no results regarding paediatric education on paramedic programmes. A mixed methods questionnaire was distributed via university home pages and social media including several paramedic social sites. The data was collected through a password protected survey and analysed through SPSS. Results: 120 responses were received to the questionnaire, with a range of student paramedics and newly qualified paramedics (59.2% and 40.8% respectively). Of the 120 responses 55% stated that they had received some form of paediatric trauma training from their education provider with 40% stating that they had not received any and 5% were unsure. 98% of those who received training said that a lecture was provided and 86% who had training were provided with practical sessions with only 1 individual receiving both practical and theory. When asked about confidence level in treating and managing a paediatric trauma or traumatic cardiac arrest. Only 13% stated that they felt somewhat confident with trauma and 15% somewhat to very confident with a traumatic cardiac arrest. With 43% for trauma and 28% for traumatic arrest scoring as not confident at all. Conclusion: There is a lack of consistency in paediatric trauma training across paramedic education providers, with some receiving no training at all to those that are given over 7 hours of education. Most respondents feel underprepared and lacking confidence in being able to assess and manage a paediatric trauma patient