Undergraduate Students' Onlooker Response Prior to Arrival of Emergency Medical Services: An Assessment of Willingness to Respond.

Abstract

Objectives: This study sought to assess undergraduate students' knowledge and attitudes surrounding perceived self-efficacy and threats in various common emergencies in communities of higher education.

Methods: Self-reported perceptions of knowledge and skills, as well as attitudes and beliefs regarding education and training, obligation to respond, safety, psychological readiness, efficacy, personal preparedness, and willingness to respond were investigated through 3 representative scenarios via a web-based survey.

Results: Among 970 respondents, approximately 60% reported their university had adequately prepared them for various emergencies while 84% reported the university should provide such training. Respondents with high self-efficacy were significantly more likely than those with low self-efficacy to be willing to respond in whatever capacity needed across all scenarios.

Conclusions: There is a gap between perceived student preparedness for emergencies and training received. Students with high self-efficacy were the most likely to be willing to respond, which may be useful for future training initiatives.