Media behavior of youth in the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine

The COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine measures have transformed the media agenda. The aim of the study is to identify the behavioral characteristics of the youth news audience, which is formed in the context of COVID-19. To solve research tasks, from March 24 to April 5, 2020, an intelligence survey of young Ukrainians as news readers was conducted. 364 respondents aged from 18 to 29, living in different regions of Ukraine, answered the questions of the Google questionnaire. The results of the survey are qualitative in nature and highlight the trends that exist in the youth audience. According to the data, the topic of coronavirus has become a priority for 82% of respondents. Phobias of young respondents increased: more than 70% stated they were worried and afraid. The alarm response to the pandemic has prompted many media consumers (46%) to turn to more information sources than usual. On the other hand, some media consumers have reduced their contact with the media, which is a typical protective reaction. Uncertainty, suspicion, and anxiety shake the confidence of the youth audience in public institutions and the media. The study showed the emergence of new challenges for media companies. The media should anticipate the consequences of disseminating information, fake news, and adjust content strategies accordingly: compliance with journalistic standards, responsible dissemination of news, fact-checking.

Smartphone Based Alerting of First Responders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Smartphone Alerting Systems (SAS) for first responders potentially shorten the resuscitation-free interval of patients with acute cardiac arrest. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many systems were suspended due to potential risks for the responders. Therefore, a COVID-19 concept for the SAS in Freiburg/Germany was established and evaluated. Methods: Due to the pandemic, SAS was stopped in March 2020. A concept for a safe restart was elaborated with provision of a set with ventilation bag/mask, airway filter and personal protective equipment (PPE) for every volunteer. A standard operating procedure followed the COVID-19 guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC). Willingness of the participants to respond alarms during the pandemic was investigated using an online survey. Results: The system was restarted in May 2020. The willingness to respond to alarms was lower during the pandemic without PPE. It remained lower than before the pandemic when the volunteers had been equipped with PPE, but the alarm response rate remained at approximately 50% during the ongoing pandemic. Conclusions: When volunteers are equipped with PPE, the operation of a SAS does not need to be paused, and the willingness to respond remains high among first responders.

Smartphone Based Alerting of First Responders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background Smartphone Alerting Systems (SAS) for first responders potentially shorten the resuscitation-free interval of patients with acute cardiac arrest. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many systems were suspended due to potential risks for the responders. Therefore, a COVID-19 concept for the SAS in Freiburg/Germany was established and evaluated. Methods Due to the pandemic, SAS was stopped in March 2020. A concept for a safe restart was elaborated with provision of a set with ventilation bag/mask, airway filter and personal protective equipment (PPE) for every volunteer. A standard operating procedure followed the COVID-19 guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC). Willingness of the participants to respond alarms during the pandemic was investigated using an online survey. Results The system was restarted in May 2020. The willingness to respond to alarms was lower during the pandemic without PPE. It remained lower than before the pandemic when the volunteers had been equipped with PPE, but the alarm response rate remained at approximately 50% during the ongoing pandemic. Conclusions When volunteers are equipped with PPE, the operation of a SAS does not need to be paused, and the willingness to respond remains high among first responders.