In Situ Simulation Training in Lifeguard Organisations

Recruiting

• Conditions: Drowning; Drowning and Nonfatal Submersion; Drowning/Submersion; Drowning and Submersion While in Natural Water; Drowning, Near
• Interventions: Other: In situ simulation assessment

• Registration Number: NCT06320197
• Lead Sponsor: Prehospital Center, Region Zealand

Brief Summary

This retrospective study will analyse a dataset consisting of 919 in situ simulation assessments collected between 2018 and 2023 in a Danish nationwide surf lifeguard organisation. The primary objective is to estimate the pass/fail ratio of in situ simulation assessments. The secondary objective is to analyse risk factors associated with a failed assessment. These results may guide future efforts to improve the Danish surf lifeguard training program.

Detailed Description

Background: Once weekly on all lifeguard-supervised beaches during the summer holiday period, a lifeguard instructor sneaks undetected into the primary surveillance zone between the flags and raises a hand to indicate a drowning scenario. This is called in situ simulation and is used to assess Danish surf lifeguards' rescue and medical skills. It is an unannounced test occurring during working hours, followed by feedback and training with the lifeguard instructors. Previous data indicate that approximately 1 in 5 lifeguards fail the in situ assessment. Analysing data from in situ simulation assessments may pinpoint areas for future improvement.

Objectives: The primary objective is to estimate the pass/fail ratio of in situ simulation assessments. The secondary objective is to analyse risk factors associated with a failed assessment. These results may guide future efforts to improve the Danish surf lifeguard training program.

Methods: This retrospective study will analyse a dataset consisting of 919 in situ simulation assessments collected between 2018 and 2023 in a Danish nationwide surf lifeguard organisation. Data on the local conditions (e.g., wave height, time of the day, and the number of beach visitors) and the in situ evaluation (pass/fail) were extracted directly from the predefined variables. Data on failure reasons were extracted through manual validation of the semi-structured free text fields by four independent observers. Any discrepancies were resolved by a senior member of the research group.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2018-01-01
• Status Verified: 2024-03
• Study First Submitted: 2024-03-13
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-03-13
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-03-13
• Study First Posted: 2024-03-20
• Last Update Posted: 2024-03-20
• Primary Completion: 2024-12-31
• Study Completion: 2024-12-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 1000

Inclusion Criteria

• All in situ assessments in the nationwide Danish lifeguard organisation from 2018 to 2023.

Exclusion Criteria

• Blank entries
• Dublets

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Failed in situ assessment	In situ simulation assessment	This group failed their in situ assessment (summative assessment)
Passed in situ assessment	In situ simulation assessment	This group passed their in situ assessment (summative assessment)

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Pass/fail ratio of in situ simulation assessments	All in situ assessments from 2018-2023 will be included in this analysis.	To estimate the pass/fail ratio of in situ simulation assessments.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Risk factors associated with a failed assessment	All in situ assessments from 2018-2023 will be included in this analysis.	To analyse risk factors associated with a failed assessment

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Prehospital Center; 🇩🇰 Næstved, Region Zealand, Denmark