27 November 2006

Study Confirms Expertise of Paramedics at Multi-casualty Crash Scenes

A study of the experiences of ACT and South Australian Ambulance Services has confirmed paramedics attending crashes with multiple casualties use a combination of expert judgment and standard triage practices to prioritise patient care.   This Australian-first research was funded by the NRMA - ACT Road Safety Trust at a cost of $43,000 and undertaken by the Research Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Practice, University of Canberra and The Canberra Hospital.  

"Ambulance paramedics are highly trained in current triage practices," Professor Don Aitkin AO said.   "Earlier studies have found their triage skills to be only marginally lower than that of doctors and nurses.   However, triaging is often undertaken in a stressful and emotional environment and there has been no research that analyses the performance of triage in real crash situations.  

"The study comprised two focus groups involving fourteen very experienced paramedics aged from 28 years of age to fifty.   Twelve came from South Australia and two from the ACT.   In-depth interviews were also held with selected volunteers from the participants.

"The key findings in the report, The Reality of Multiple Casualty Triage, include:

• The mix of skill and experience of the paramedic is important; inexperienced officers may tend to rely on triage theory while experienced officer will balance standard procedure with experience;
• Experienced officers sometimes do an initial 'scan' to determine priorities.   A lighted cigarette was often a good indicator of a less severe injury; and
• The presence or absence of children or aged casualties can impact on the triage process.

"The study indicates that a gap exists between what is practiced and what is taught as theory and it recommends further research be undertaken.   This study will be a valuable aid for educators in the ambulance services in their quest to provide paramedics with the best possible triage training," Professor Aitkin said.

University of Canberra Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Health Design and Science, Professor Sue Thomas, said the study carried out by Universtiy of Canberra researchers has made a valuable contribution to triage practice.

"The University is pleased to be working in partnership with the NRMA -ACT Road Safety trust on a project that will assist in critical care theory and practice and be of benfit to the   community in a very tangible way."

The Trust's funding source is the $2 Road Safety Contribution raised in association with ACT motor vehicle registration fees and matched by NRMA Insurance.

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Last Updated on August 1, 2005