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. 2010 Jan-Mar;14(1):124-30.
doi: 10.3109/10903120903349762.

Trauma care training for National Police nurses in Colombia

Andrés M Rubiano  1 , Alvaro I Sánchez, Francis Guyette, Juan C Puyana
Affiliations

Trauma care training for National Police nurses in Colombia

Andrés M Rubiano et al. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2010 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Introduction: In response to a requirement for advanced trauma care nurses to provide combat tactical medical support, the antinarcotics arm of the Colombian National Police (CNP) requested the Colombian National Prehospital Care Association to develop a Combat Tactical Medicine Course (MEDTAC course).

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of this course in imparting knowledge and skills to the students.

Methods: We trained 374 combat nurses using the novel MEDTAC course. We evaluated students using pre- and postcourse performance with a 45-question examination. Field simulations and live tissue exercises were evaluated by instructors using a Likert scale with possible choices of 1 to 4. Interval estimation of proportions was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Differences in didactic test scores were assessed using a t-test at 0.05 level of statistical significance.

Results: Between March 2006 and July 2007, 374 combat nursing students of the CNP were trained. The difference between examination scores before and after the didactic part of the course was statistically significant (p < 0.01). After the practical session of the course, all participants (100%) demonstrated competency on final evaluation.

Conclusions: The MEDTAC course is an effective option improving the knowledge and skills of combat nurses serving in the CNP. MEDTAC represents a customized approach for military trauma care training in Colombia. This course is an example of specialized training available for groups that operate in austere environments with limited resources.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Combat nursing students patrol. Every student has a M3 carry bag (right) that contains medical materials for external hemorrhage control under fire situation, including external bandages, fluids and external haemostatic agents. (Images: Authors).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Combat nurse students of CNP. “PIJAOS” School; Espinal (COLOMBIA). (Image: CNP PIJAOS School, COR and JUNGLAS groups).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Combat nurse students in action. Injured patients need emergency trauma care during anti-narcotics operations. (Images: CNP COR and JUNGLAS groups).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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