The Importance of Knowing the Basic First Aid Measures During Social Isolation of the Elderly
Abstract Background: The vulnerability of the elderly population increases with natural and other disasters. Consequent social isolation affects their health. Health problems, which can lead to emergencies, can be an even greater burden during times of social isolation. Early identification and action in terms of first aid for the most common emergencies that threaten an individual’s health or life affect these conditions. We aimed to examine the knowledge of first aid in the most common emergencies that threaten elderly people’s health and life among a Slovenian population, focusing on the elderly people’s knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted on 1079 respondents. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire. Statistically significant differences in average ratings among different age groups were determined with one-way ANOVA followed by a post hoc test. Significant differences between the categories of age groups were determined using the χ2 square test followed by appropriate post hoc testing for multiple comparisons. By regression analysis (Spearman’s rho and Pearson Correlation), we determined the correlations. Results: Our survey results indicated that Slovenes are aware of the importance of first aid knowledge and feel personally responsible for acquiring and developing this knowledge. The most surprising finding of our research is the high level of knowledge of recognising some of the most common conditions that occur in old age and taking action in response to them. Simultaneously, most of the knowledge tested does not depend on the person’s age or the time since that person was last educated in first aid. Nevertheless, out of all age groups, those older than 80 stand out. The respondents’ general opinion is that the elderly over 80 years of age need less first aid knowledge. Furthermore, their first aid knowledge is also somewhat worse, especially when recognising sudden illness. Conclusions: Older than 80 are the most vulnerable psycho physically and socially, especially in natural and other disasters such as a pandemic. In the same time, their disaster preparedness from a first aid perspective is poor. There is a need to raise awareness and provide guidance on emergency preparedness to older people.