CompletedInterventional

A study to evaluate whether photographs improve bystanders’ ability to find safe injection sites in emergencies

This study looked at whether using photographs could help members of the public (bystanders) find the right place on the body to give an injection in an emergency. The medicine, called tranexamic acid (TXA), helps stop severe bleeding after a serious accident and could save lives if given quickly. Currently, only medical staff give TXA, but this research explored if ordinary people could be guided to do it before help arrives. Participants, who were adults without medical qualifications, were asked to place a sticker on a pretend patient in a car, either with spoken instructions alone or with spoken instructions plus a photo. No real injections were given, and there were no risks. This work helps emergency services plan better ways to support people during accidents.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Devon Air Ambulance

Enrolment target

Start

22 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

22 Nov 2024

What is this study about?

Imagine someone has a very bad accident, like a serious car crash, and they're bleeding heavily. This type of severe bleeding is one of the main reasons people die after such events. There's a medication called tranexamic acid, or TXA, that's really good at helping to stop this kind of bleeding. It works best if it's given within the first few hours after the injury.

Right now, only trained medical staff like paramedics or doctors give TXA. But what if a member of the public – a bystander – could give an injection of TXA even before the emergency services arrive? This study wanted to see if showing bystanders a picture could help them find the correct spot on the body for this important injection. It's all about finding the best and safest way to help people in urgent situations.

The researchers hoped that by finding better ways to guide bystanders, more lives could potentially be saved after serious accidents. It’s about empowering ordinary people to provide immediate, life-saving help in an emergency, under the right guidance. This study is an important step in making that a possibility.

Key takeaways

The study explored if pictures improve emergency injection guidance for the public.
No real injections were given; participants placed stickers on a fake patient.
Aims to help emergency services better support people in accidents.
Participants were adults with no formal medical training.
The study was a safe, low-risk simulation and took place on one day.

Who may be eligible?

This study was open to adults aged 18 or older. You didn't need to have any special medical or nursing training to take part. In fact, if you had a formal qualification in medicine, nursing, or as a paramedic, you wouldn't have been able to participate.

The main idea was to see how ordinary members of the public would respond to the instructions. So, if you were an adult who could understand what the study was about and agree to take part, and you didn't work in healthcare as a doctor, nurse, or paramedic, you were likely able to join. Even people with some basic first aid training were welcome.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you *not* have a formal medical or nursing qualification (e.g., as a doctor, nurse, or paramedic)?
Can you understand what the study is about and agree to take part?
Do you have basic first aid training (this was allowed, not required)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you took part in this study, you would have attended on a single day. You would have been given instructions on where to place a sticker on a pretend patient sitting in a car. Some people only got spoken instructions, while others got spoken instructions along with a photograph. You wouldn't have given any real injections.

After placing the sticker, experienced medical staff checked the spot you chose. You would also have been asked to fill out a short questionnaire. The entire process was completed on the same day, November 22nd, 2024, so there were no ongoing visits or follow-ups required.

Potential risks and benefits

While taking part in this study didn't offer any direct health benefits to the participants themselves, the information gathered is very important. The results will help emergency services understand the best ways to support and guide ordinary people during a life-threatening emergency, which could lead to better outcomes for accident victims. There were no medical procedures involved and no physical risks to participants; it was a safe simulation where you were only asked to place a sticker. You had the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (1)

University of Exeter
Approximate
Exeter, England

Common questions

What was the main goal of this study?

The main goal was to see if photographs can help people without medical training find the correct spot to give a life-saving injection in an emergency.

Did people actually give injections in this study?

No, absolutely no real injections were given. Participants only placed stickers on a pretend patient.

Who paid for this research?

The study was funded by The Road Safety Trust and Vision Zero South West.

When did this study happen?

The study took place on just one day: November 22nd, 2024.

Will this study help me directly?

No, there was no direct benefit to the participants. However, the findings will help emergency services improve their guidance for the public, which could save lives in the future.

How to find out more

Tim Nutbeam

timnutbeam@nhs.net +44 (0)7779231813 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.