First-aid and CPR through Community swimming instructors in Rural Bangladesh

INTRODUCTION: first aid service is an important part of any healthcare system and it can not only stop the progress of severity of a case but also can save life. In Bangladesh the access of physicians in rural areas are very difficult so first aid can contribute in reducing unavoidable death and disability. This study is the assessment of first aid services provided by swimming instructors in rural Bangladesh.

METHODS: In 2012, to deliver first aid services in the community under SwimSafe program 526 community swimming instructors (258 male & 268 female) were trained in Bangladesh. Using IDRC-B first aid and CPR manual 30 trainings were conducted. After successfully completing the training all instructors were delivered a manual and a record-book. All instructors were requested to keep record on first aid services they provided. After the training 3-6 months information were collected from the instructors. For the collection of the information on CPR a structured questioner was used.  

RESULTS: among the trained instructors 286 provided first aid services among 1,252 causalities. Numbers of causalities due to burn were 182, most of them treated with clean water before starting other treatment. Injury due to fall and cut were 777 and most of them treated with antiseptic and wrapped with bandage. The instructors provided first aid to 26 casualties with snake bite, 40 casualties with shock, 26 casualties with electrocution, 59 casualties with animal injury and 59 with drowning. Among drowning causalities 40 were treated with keeping recovery position. The instructors performed CPR to 21 causalities among them 13 were due to drowning.  The instructors referred 832 casualties for further treatment. 

CONCLUSIONS: Bangladesh is a disaster-prone area; so, expanding first aid program through community volunteers will be effective in reducing mortality, morbidity as well as progression of any complications of injury.