Biologie. Chemie. Zeměpis A journal for science teachers and science education researchers

EVALUATION OF DISGUST SENSITIVITY IN FIRST AID TASKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TEACHING THAT INCLUDES EMOTIONALLY CHALLENGING SITUATIONS

Radim Kuba, Barbora Váňová

Volume 33 (2024), issue 4 pp. 17–38 published online 22 April 2025 Czech

DOI https://doi.org/10.14712/25337556.2024.4.2

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Abstract

Providing first aid is a crucial skill, the effectiveness of which can be influenced by the emotional reactions of rescuers. This paper examines the perception of disgust among university students in situations and tasks related to first aid. A survey was conducted with 658 students from Charles University, who rated the level of disgust associated with 20 specific first aid tasks on a scale from 1 to 6. The analysis focused on differences between the target group (students who attended a first aid course) and the control group (students without specific first aid training), as well as gender differences and the impact of mandatory course attendance. The results show that situations involving massive bleeding, amputations, and burns evoke the highest levels of disgust. Women generally reported slightly higher levels of disgust than men. Students who attended the first aid course as a mandatory part of their curriculum reported significantly higher levels of perceived disgust compared to those who voluntarily chose the course. This difference likely reflects the fact that mandatory courses often create expectations of greater difficulty or emotional strain, which is reflected in the perception of individual tasks. When planning and implementing mandatory courses, whether in schools or other educational contexts, it is therefore important to consider this effect and adjust the teaching to provide participants with sufficient support in handling emotionally challenging situations. The paper highlights the importance of education in managing emotional reactions, such as disgust, and based on the collected data and practical experience, offers specific recommendations for teaching that involves emotionally challenging situations. These recommendations include working with realistic injury simulations, stress management training, and gradual exposure to challenging situations, which can increase participants' willingness and ability to provide first aid. The findings are relevant for educators, trainers, and curriculum developers aiming to improve first aid education.

Keywords

first aid · disgust · emotionally challenging situations · first aid education · injury simulation

How to cite

Kuba, R., & Váňová, B. (2024). HODNOCENÍ MÍRY ZNECHUCENÍ PŘI ÚKONECH PRVNÍ POMOCI A DOPORUČENÍ PRO VÝUKU ZAHRNUJÍCÍ EMOČNĚ NÁROČNÉ SITUACE. Biologie-Chemie-Zeměpis, 33(4), 17–38. https://doi.org/10.14712/25337556.2024.4.2

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