First aid training: an appraisal. The soldier's longest journey.

Abstract

A two part study was carried out to identify the most cost-effective way of enhancing first aid in the British Army. There is a lack of co-ordination between a variety of training programmes for paramedical non-RAMC personnel. Questionnaires were used to ascertain the views of users and experts were asked their views on the requirement for first aid at point of wounding on the battlefield. Skills needed in addition to those currently taught to all soldiers were identified. These include the setting up of intravenous infusions, administration of analgesia and antibiotics and the recognition and treatment of battleshock.