Effectiveness of a Bleeding Control Course for Public Transit Drivers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Introduction

In Dar es Salaam, mortality from road traffic injuries is roughly double the global rate. Most civilians are transported to hospitals by laypeople. We examined the impact of a bleeding control course among taxi drivers.

Methods

Before-after study; participants were trained in hemorrhage control and equipped with a first aid kit. Primary outcomes were perceived bleeding control knowledge, perceived ability to apply bleeding control skills, and intention to intervene. Surveys were administered before, after, and 3 mo after training. Data were measured on a 1-5 Likert scale.

Results

Among 186 participants, knowledge increased from 1.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-1.85) before training to 4.67 (95% CI 4.55-4.78) after training and was sustained at 3 mo 4.69 (95% CI 4.61-4.77). Ability to apply skills increased from 2.12 (95% CI 1.96-2.27) before training to 4.68 (95% CI 4.59-4.78) after training and was sustained at 3 mo 4.67 (95% CI 4.57-4.76). Intention to intervene increased from 2.69 (95% CI 2.47-2.92) before training to 4.66 (95% CI 4.55-4.76) after training and was sustained at 3 mo 4.57 (95% CI 4.48-4.67). 83 interventions occurred. Transport to health-care facilities occurred 58 times. Care was transferred to a doctor or nurse 39 times.

Conclusions

This course increased participant's perceived bleeding control knowledge, ability to apply skills, and intention to intervene. Participants utilized skills in the field, transported the injured, and handed off care. This course should be evaluated globally in similar contexts.