Analyzing the results of a survey of 192 residents of the Aseer region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, carried out by Mohammed E. Elhussiny and colleagues, published in Cureus, the authors concluded that burn first aid knowledge is insufficient. The cross-sectional survey, having a sample of 386 participants, sought to establish the knowledge, compliance, and self-efficiency concerning burn first aid.
Estimations revealed that pre- and post-minimally 85% of the participants had inadequate knowledge regarding burn first aid, and only 1% had good knowledge. The study gave an insight into the main source of information on burns first aid and the internet was cited by 48% of the participants. However, respondents’ confidence in general ability to provide first aid for burns was low, as was the general knowledge, indicating an urgent and lack of specific educational programs.
The same survey also established the fact that people with history of burn exposure either on their selves or next of kin had only a slightly better perception of burn first aid practices. Though, the general nonexistence of compulsory training in the field of burn management could be seen with 69% of the respondents having received any formal training on the subject.
Considering this frequency of burned cases mainly in children and young people in the mentioned region, the importance of enhancing the public’s awareness and efficacy in first aid treatment of burns increases. It will be interventions conducted through educational means across the Agency’s multiple communication platforms, to improve the response in emergency situations and the results for burn cases in Aseer.