METHODS: Two 2-hour classes and practical practice sessions were given to local citizens in the island of Bohol, Philippines. 170 people participated. The focus of the class was basic life support and pre-hospital trauma. Modifications like using discarded tires as BLS mannequins, were made so that the locals could practice what they learned, and teach it to their local communities. A pre and post-course test were given to assess knowledge acquisition.
RESULTS:The adjuncts served their purpose like simulating chest compression practice using tires, and creating tourniquets with a handkerchief and stick. All the materials were affordable, effective, and practical for the population. From a knowledge acquisition perspective, the pre-course test average score was a 6.67 out of 10, with the post-course test average being a 9.33. People who scored a perfect score went from 6.8% to 58%.
CONCLUSION:The expansion of a low-resource region's surgical and medical capabilities is possible through a combination of local interests and champions; partner groups' willingness to adapt and teach; and utilization of tried-and-true practices that have been slightly modified to suit an area's capabilities.
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