Pre-Hospital Triage: Nursing student's disaster knowledge, preparation and performance

According to the Iran's geographical situation and its high rate of accidents, the nurse's role as the largest group among medical staff in critical condition is very important. The aim of this study was to determine nursing student's disaster knowledge, preparation and performance in Tabriz faculty of Nursing and Midwifery.
In this observational descriptive study, knowledge, preparation and performance of the 41 nursing students, assessed by questionnaires (including three sections of demographic, the awareness and preparedness) and the performance check list in 2016. Validity evaluated by content validity and reliability of the questionnaires assessed using test-retest reliability. Data analyzed by SPSS Ver. 16 through descriptive and inferential statistics.
The mean and standard deviation of awareness and preparedness of the students were 21.85±2.51 and 609.78±91.90, respectively. The frequency and percentage of the student's performance was 1002 (48.87) including controlled breathing 166 (40.48) neurological status, 243 (59.26), perfusion 237 (57.80) positions recovery 327(79.75), and labeling the card 29 (7.07). Frequency and percentage of total Triage time was 11.24±3.86. 199 (48.53%) of the students triaged correctly but 211(51.47%) ones triaged incorrectly, which includes a over triage 46 (11.21%) and undertriage 165 (40.24%).
The knowledge and preparation of participants to do pre-hospital triage were moderate and good; but the nursing students had the poor performance and their performance was not satisfactory. Therefore, disaster condition courses emphasizing on modern and practical training such as the simulation is recommended for the nursing students.