Feasibility of implementing a first aid training programme (COOPERA-UGR) for medical students who plan to volunteer: a pilot study

Abstract

Pre-travel advice for medical students studying international electives in low-income countries is essential.1 However, many medical students are not well trained in first aid and emergencies in new scenarios,2,3 such as those found in resource-poor countries and volunteering environments. This may be due to the fact that there are few educational curricula that carry out such programmes and publish their results.4 This concern is echoed by the Association for Medical Education in Europe, which recognizes that prior preparation of students is necessary, albeit in relation to clinical electives.5 In addition, Schimpf et al.3 consider that ‘it is incumbent on the sending institution to ensure the trainee is prepared mentally and physically for the challenges faced when learning in a new environment’.

For the above reasons, the aim of this study was to establish a health training programme (the COOPERA-UGR project) for medical students who volunteer and to assess its viability by means of cross-sectional surveys. Questions were mostly measured quantitatively, but free text open-ended questions were also included to collect all relevant information.

The COOPERA-UGR project followed the ‘blended learning’ methodology, which combines an online theoretical session with a face-to-face practical session. In the former, lessons were given on emergency actions in common volunteer practice; physical, psychological and emotional first aid; cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and individual protection. In the face-to-face modality, the theoretical concepts were put into practice in accordance with the principles of adapting teaching to the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which were published by the University of Granada (UGR). This health training programme was conducted by physicians with competencies in life support and first aid, accredited by the European Resuscitation Council, and with experience in international missions. The course was specifically adapted to medical students embarking on volunteer medical travel.