Improving the quality of training paramedics by means of cadavers – a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Paramedics are authorised to perform emergency procedures, including trauma assessment according to global standards. The aim of the study was to answer the question whether the use of cadavers in teaching practical competencies to medical rescue students, in the field of trauma assessment, is necessary as a supplement to learning in simulated conditions with the use of mannequins. METHODS: Research included several stages. The first stage was conduction of classes for 27 students in the field of rapid trauma assessment, in accordance with the guidelines of the International Trauma Life Support. In the second stage, a plan of a test in which students had to perform an analogous procedure of rapid trauma assessment, but with the use of cadavers, human unfixed specimens, was prepared. The Delphi method was used to develop and approve checklists, as well as a scale to assess the global correctness of identification of head, torso and limb injuries by medical rescue students. RESULTS: The identification rate was 76.54% in the head area, 67.90% in the torso area, while in the limb area it equalled 44.45%. A significant difference in scores, compared to the examination performed on a mannequin, was observed (Wilcoxon = 4.541; p = 0.000). The most difficult to make a correct diagnosis were injuries related to a fracture of the proximal end of the femur and a dislocated wrist (only 18.52% of correct answers). The students highly rated the usefulness of the examination, by awarding it an average of 4.76 points (SD ± 0.56) on the Likert scale (0–5). CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the use of cadavers to teach practical competencies in the field of trauma assessment to medical rescue students can be an effective supplement to simulated learning. Students could feel the difference between the human body and the mannequin. More research is needed to assess whether realistic simulation translates into objective endpoints, such as the effectiveness of diagnosis in the examination of trauma patients. However, it should be remembered that the introduction of this teaching method is expensive and requires adequate base, as well as the compliance with a number of formal requirements. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-021-02498-x.