Disaster Medical Education in Singapore: An Educational Experience for the Student and Layman, Through and Beyond a Pandemic

Introduction: Emerging research has shown the vital role the public can play in a disaster. Disasters render communities with more casualties than resources, with response time of first responders increasing from minutes to hours. While there are multiple existing public education courses in Singapore on first aid skills and basic life support, along with public interest in serving as first responders, no available course equips the layperson with the skills and knowledge required for disaster response. Methods: To address this gap, a pilot education program was created. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pilot program targeting the layperson was held virtually. Sessions were delivered first didactically, then in breakout rooms to facilitate discussion. Post-pandemic, a pilot simulation program was held for medical students without prior disaster education. Skills on patient triage, first aid, and casualty transport were imparted and subsequently practiced via simulation. Participants submitted pre- and post-course questionnaires. Results: 24 of 35 (68.6%) participants for the public program provided feedback. 50% of participants initially felt their skills were ‘poor’, which decreased to 0% after the course. 90% had gained new skills. 91% indicated that the learning methodology was appropriate. 18 of 20 (90%) students provided feedback on the simulation session. Confidence levels in assisting in disasters increased from 22.2% to 100%. 94.4% of participants felt that the simulation facilitated their learning and improved their interest in disaster medicine. All participants would recommend the courses to others. Conclusion: The inherent nature of a disaster requires a time-sensitive response from the layman, who has the key advantage of proximity, to provide basic yet lifesaving interventions. This pilot education program, adapted to the limitations of the pandemic, shows promise in improving knowledge and readiness for disaster response. Future steps include public simulations, involving medical students as facilitators, and conducting regular cycles to integrate this knowledge to the masses.