Strategic Research for strengthening acute care systems in low-resource settings
Emergency care begins in the community. Our focus is on facilitators and barriers to CPR and first aid training in resource constrained settings.
Global Access to Lifesaving Skills Training
Short name:
GOALS
Aims and objectives:
The aim of the GOALS international collaboration is to:
- Identify and quantify barriers to accessing lifesaving skills training.
- Develop innovative and effective ways of overcoming barriers.
From a global perspective, this seeks to:
- Understand the barriers to accessing lifesaving skills training.
- Improve access to lifesaving skills training by providing best practices interventions and implementation methods that are locally applicable, considering potential differences in resource setting, culture, and the socio-political contexts.
- Raise public attention, both nationally and internationally, and to create awareness on access to lifesaving skills training.
- Utilize modern (information) technology and teaching and learning methods to build innovative models for lifesaving skills training that are cost effective and scalable.
Partners:
Global Resuscitation Alliance (GRA), International Federation of Emergency Medicine (IFEM), African Federation of Emergency Medicine (AFEM), Asian Association for Emergency Medical Services (AAEMS)
Ethical approval:
University of Cape Town IRB: HREC Ref: 072/2022
Virtual Reality Cardiopulmonary Training to Counteract Disparities in Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest – refining the CARAMBA trial
Short name:
CARAMBA 2
Aims and objectives:
- To implement Virtual Reality (VR) into CPR training courses across diverse ethnic populations in the CARAMBA region.
- To improve OHCA recognition and communication with EMS, counteracting disparities in OHCA care and ultimately improving survival.
Partners:
University of Copenhagen / Akutberedskadet Region H (Carolina Malta Hansen)
Funding:
Tryg Foundation and Laerdal Foundation
Clinical trials:
Caramba NCT04446585
Laerdal concepts:
- A Virtual Reality experience of a cardiac arrest situation in an apartment, including: symptoms, assessment, calling for help, and dialogue with 112 operator.
- A CPR training component with brief, cognitive learning on video combined with role playing a cardiac arrest scenario. This is paired with small group discussions and homework.
