Relevance of anatomical knowledge in first aid: A three-year study of medical students’ perspective

Anatomy plays a vital role in medical education, serving as a fundamental basis for understanding various medical disciplines, conducting physical examinations, and interpreting medical imaging. Furthermore, a solid grasp of anatomy is essential for the effective implementation of first-aid procedures. The objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between medical students' performance in anatomy and first-aid courses, as well as to assess students' perspectives on the significance of anatomy in first-aid practices. Over the course of 3 academic years, 2 online surveys were administered to students prior to the commencement of the first-aid course. The 1st survey measured their knowledge of anatomy, while the 2nd evaluated their attitudes toward the relevance of anatomy in first aid. The attitude survey was subsequently readministered at the conclusion of the first-aid course. The findings revealed a significant correlation between the scores obtained in the anatomy knowledge test and those achieved in the first-aid course. While the initial attitude survey indicated a positive outlook among students, with a preference for higher response scales, the follow-up results showed a decrease in the selection of higher scales and an increase in the selection of lower scales. Although these shifts were not statistically significant, they suggest that the first-aid course may not have adequately emphasized the importance of anatomical knowledge. Despite students recognizing the relevance of anatomy in first aid, there is an opportunity to strengthen this connection more effectively within the framework of first-aid instruction.