Evaluation of Stop the Bleed Training Among High School Personnel: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND

Uncontrolled hemorrhage is the primary preventable cause of death following trauma. Stop the Bleed training exists to promote identification and basic treatment of life-threatening bleeding in the prehospital or community setting. Limited qualitative research is available on participant evaluation of hemorrhage control training for laypersons.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the experience and satisfaction with Stop the Bleed training among lay community members in an urban public school setting.

METHODS

Three group interviews were conducted with public high school personnel (faculty and staff) who received Stop the Bleed training. Personnel were asked to evaluate the training and provide suggestions for improvement. Responses were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis for common themes was performed using NVivo.

RESULTS

A total of eight participants were interviewed. Participants expressed satisfaction with hands-on training and dissatisfaction with crowded and rushed training conditions. Major themes included: (1) skill acquisition, retention, and decay, (2) training format and setting, and (3) use of simulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Current Stop the Bleed training is considered satisfactory among public school educators. Suggestions for improvement include annual retraining programs and simulation-enhanced training opportunities.