Development, Implementation and Outcomes of a Training Program for Responders to Acts of Terrorism

Author: Miller Geoffrey   Scott Joseph   Issenberg S.   Petrusa Emil   Brotons Angel   Gordon David   McGaghie William   Gordon Michael  

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

ISSN: 1090-3127

Source: Prehospital Emergency Care, Vol.10, Iss.2, 2006-04, pp. : 239-246

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Abstract

Introduction. Responding to acts of terrorism requires the effective use of public-safety and medical-response resources. The knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to respond to future threats is unfamiliar to most emergency responders. Objectives. The purpose of this report to describe the development, implementation and evaluation of a multidisciplinary, interactive and simulation-enhanced course to prepare responders to acts of terrorism. Methods. We used a 5-step systematic process to develop a blended-learning, simulation-enhanced training program. Learners completed a self-confidence questionnaire and written examination prior to the course and a self-confidence questionnaire, written examination and course evaluation when they finished the course. Results. From July 7, 2003 to March 8, 2005, 497 consenting learners completed the course. After course completion, learners demonstrated significant increases in their knowledge of terrorism response (t = -64.3, df = 496, p