Disaster Management Education and Training for Paramedics: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present scoping review is to provide a comprehensive description and classification of the published research studies on education and training of paramedics and paramedic students in the context of disaster management with emphasis on educational/ training techniques and their efficacy and the recent trends in this evolving field. The review is also designed to identify the main research gaps and to suggest recommendations for future research plans. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses were searched. Studies were included in the final analysis if they studied any aspect of paramedics or paramedic students’ education or training in the context of disaster management. Results: Forty-three studies fulfilled the selection criteria. Three themes were identified: 1) Conventional disaster education/training techniques; 2) Smart technology-based disaster education/training techniques; and 3) Development of and/or assessment of disaster education/ training courses, programs, packages, or curricula. Conclusions: While disaster triage training is the focus of many studies, a new trend is emerging that integrates smart technology into educational and training programs. Also, there is increasing international interest in developing disaster training programs and curricula.