Retention of Basic Trauma Life Support Skills

Abstract

The Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) course was developed to teach prehospital providers a rapid, prioritized approach to assess and manage the trauma victim. Little data currently are available relative to the retention of the cognitive and psychomotor skilk taught in the course. To examine this question, thirteen paramedics were retested on identically moulaged trauma scenarios and written examinations 14–16 months after initial training in BTLS. No advanced notification of the re-test was given. Written test scores decreased from an initial mean of 93.0±6.6 to a mean of 64.9±11.8 (p<0.001) 14–16 months later. Similarly, the trauma scenario test scores declined from 71.6±10.4 to 61.3±16.2 (p<0.05). The results suggest that there is significant loss of both didactic information and practical skills from the BTLS course 14–16 months after training. Frequent BTLS refresher training in the form of supplemental readings, lectures, and repeated exposures to trauma simulations is needed.

Effect of a Focused and Directed Continuing Education Program on Prehospital Skill Maintenance in Key Resuscitation Areas

“…However, the report compared paramedic performance from 1983-1985 to 1990 -1991, 4 years after the first of many PALS courses was taught in that setting. Werman et al, reporting in 1990, showed significant decrements in basic trauma skills retention among EMT-basics (12). Earlier studies show similar decay of out-of-hospital skills (6,13).…”

Emergency medical services agenda for the future

“…Many reports discuss education of EMS providers to perform specific skills. 6,16,43,70,71,102,133,140,141 However, there have not been systematic analyses of the suitability of EMS education with regard to expectations for EMS personnel to provide a spectrum of public safety and health care services. Additionally, issues related to knowledge and skill degradation have not been addressed extensively.…”

A Comparison of EMS Continuing Education for Paramedics in the United States

“…7 Didactic knowledge and practical skills for basic trauma life support also decrease substantially within 14 months after initial training. 10 Moser and Coleman 11 found that cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills began to deteriorate as early as two weeks after completion of instruction. Ramsey et al 12 Herman et al…”