The need for qualified diagnostic radiographers to do additional first aid and emergency procedures training

Authors

  • Gerhardus George Visser Koch

Keywords:

medical emergencies, additional training, responsibilities

Abstract

This paper highlights the need for diagnostic radiographers to maintain their first aid competencies. The need for update courses and additional training are underscored as well as future research.

Background Diagnostic radiographers play an important role in a medical emergency environment as they often work alone with critically ill and/ or -injured patients. It has been observed that these patients are not always accompanied by the appropriate personnel for observation. Competent first aid techniques and emergency medical assistance as covered in the regulations defining the scope of the profession of radiography (scope of practice).

Aim The aim of this study was to identify whether a need exists amongst diagnostic radiographers to do additional first aid and emergency procedures training.

Materials and methods Questionnaires were personally distributed by the researcher amongst forty (40) diagnostic radiographers in both the government and private sector in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The questionnaires consisted of two sections. Section A was based on the emergency trolley and its drugs and apparatus. Section B was based on first aid techniques.

Results and conclusion The results from this study indicate that there is a definite need for additional first aid and emergency procedures training amongst the sampled diagnostic radiographers currently still in practice. The outcome of this study provides key data pertaining to the development of diagnostic radiographers.

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Published

2014-11-13

Issue

Vol. 52 No. 2 (2014)

Section

Original Articles

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