Training lay first responders in sub-Saharan Africa using online courses
Deploying Emergency Bystander Internet Training (DEBIT) for Lay First Responders in Resource Limited Settings
This study is testing an online course to see if it can effectively train everyday people in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Kenya to provide basic first aid in emergencies.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Kakamega, Kakamega County and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05909917 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a massive open online course (MOOC) designed to train lay first responders in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Kenya. The research team will measure educational outcomes through pre- and post-course surveys, standardized patient assessments, and incident reporting. By addressing the urgent need for emergency medical services in low- and middle-income countries, the study aims to develop more efficient methods for disseminating basic first aid training to diverse populations with varying levels of technology literacy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are commercial transportation providers in sub-Saharan Africa who can benefit from first responder training.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to transportation or are not involved in commercial transportation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly improve emergency response capabilities and reduce mortality from traumatic injuries in low-resource settings.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in training lay first responders, but this approach utilizing a MOOC is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: - Commercial transportation providers Exclusion Criteria: - Does not possess means of transportation
Where this trial is running
Kakamega, Kakamega County and 3 other locations
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology — Kakamega, Kakamega County, Kenya (Recruiting)
- Health Emergency Initiative — Lagos, Nigeria (Recruiting)
- School of Clinical Sciences — Makeni, Northern Province, Sierra Leone (Recruiting)
- Vision for Trauma Care in Africa — Mukono, Central Region, Uganda (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zachary Eisner, BS — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: Zachary Eisner, BS
- Email: zaeisner@med.umich.edu
- Phone: 734-936-5738
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.