Assessment of first aid knowledge and decision-making of high school coaches

The purpose of this study was to assess the first aid knowledge and decision-making of interscholastic athletic coaches. One hundred four coaches completed test packets containing a brief demographic survey, First Aid Assessment, and Game Situation Data Sheet. The First Aid Assessment had 38 multiple choice questions; the Game Situation Data Sheet had nine scenarios that required a yes or no response. Thirty-eight (36%) coaches achieved passing scores, with a range of 19 to 34. Chi square analysis was performed on two scenarios from the Game Situation Data Sheet. Results of this investigation found differences between: (a) first aid knowledge of coaches and accredited standards of first aid competency, and (b) decisions made by coaches in one game situation. From this, two conclusions were drawn: (1) Coaches did not adequately meet first aid standards. (2) In one scenario a conflict of duties affected the decision coaches made.