Video-Based Stop the Bleed Training: A New Era in Education

J Surg Res. 2022 Dec:280:535-542. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.07.014. Epub 2022 Sep 7.

Abstract

Introduction: Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death. The "Stop the Bleed" (StB) program trains laypersons in hemorrhage control. This study evaluated the efficacy of video-based StB training.

Methods: Participants watched two different videos: a didactic video (DdV) and a technical video (TeV) demonstrating proper techniques for StB skills (i.e., direct pressure [DP], wound packing [WP], and tourniquet application [TA]). Then, they completed a standardized skills examination (SE). Participants were surveyed at three different time points (baseline, post-DdV, and post-SE) for comparison. We compared paired categorical and continuous variables with the McNemar-Bowker test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, respectively. Alpha was set at 0.05.

Results: One hundred six participants were enrolled: 52% were female and the median age was 23 y (22, 24). At baseline, 29%, 8%, and 13% reported being somewhat or extremely confident with DP, WP, and TA, respectively. These percentages increased to 92%, 79%, and 76%, respectively, after the DdV (all, P < 0.0001). After the TeV and SE, percentages increased further to 100%, 96%, and 100% (all, P < 0.0001). During the SE, 96%, 99%, and 89% of participants were able to perform DP, WP, and TA without prompting. Among participants, 98% agreed that the video course was effective and 79% agreed that the DdV and TeV were engaging.

Conclusions: We describe a novel paradigm of video-based StB learning combined with an in-person, standardized SE. Confidence scores in performing the three crucial StB tasks increased significantly during and after course completion. Through remote learning, StB could be disseminated more widely.

Keywords: Bleeding control; Preventable death; Remote learning; Stop the bleed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders*
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Hemorrhage / prevention & control
  • Hemostatic Techniques*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult