Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #115485

Barbara Muth, Preparedness, American Red Cross, 8111 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, 703-206-7419, muthba@usa.redcross.org

Baseline research was conducted among students and staff in eight sites across the U.S. to assess preparedness. First aid and disaster preparedness knowledge increased annually from grades 1 through 5 (p<.001). First aid knowledge continued to increase through grade 8 (p<.001) while disaster preparedness knowledge did not increase after the fifth grade. Behavioral intentions (planning for emergencies, diffusion of information, civic responsibility, and disaster preparedness) decreased annually from grades 7 through 11 (p<.01). Self-efficacy (emergency preparedness and first aid) decreased annually from grades 7 through 12 (p<.05).

Preparedness was not strong among school staff. 75% had not had any first aid or CPR training in the past three years while nearly 50% had been called upon to respond in a first aid emergency and 30% had had to use first aid or CPR skills in the school. Teachers and staff were more likely to have been trained in suburban schools and were less likely to have fast access to a phone if they were in an urban school.

The evidence suggests that schools are not prepared for emergencies. We will discuss the implications of unprepared students and schools in an emotional climate that calls for strengthening preparedness and examine applications of the evidence in making policy decisions and designing training and interventions for school systems to increase preparedness.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine policies and practices based on an understanding of the evidence of student and staff preparedness learning needs and school resources
• Identify the point at which students stop learning about preventing and/or responding to emergencies
• Name three key areas where schools can improve response readiness through training and facilities

Keywords: Safety, School-Based Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commertial supporters WITH THE EXCEPTION OF AT&T Wireless provided grant funding that supported the research in this abstract.