First‐Aid Training and Capabilities of the Lay Public: A Potential Alternative Source of Emergency Medical Assistance Following a Natural Disaster

摘要: Basic first-aid skills can be useful in treating minor injuries that commonly result from natural disasters the United States. Yet there has been insufficient research on training and competence among community residents. This study utilises panel data for 414 adults Los Angeles, California, who were interviewed within three years of 1994 Northridge earthquake re-interviewed 1999 after El Nino winter 1997-98. Descriptive, bivariate multivariate analyses performed. Results showed 24 percent members sample had received since their interview. First-aid training, particularly recent was associated with greater perceived skills, as well increased expected actual employment those skills. With appropriate skill retention, lay public potentially contribute to a post-disaster medical response.