Educational Effects of Disaster Volunteer Activities and Bathing Assistance on Paramedic Students

Summary: Background: The Noto Peninsula Earthquake in 2024 and heavy September rains caused extensive damage, highlighting the essential role of volunteer support amid limited resources. For students aiming to become paramedics, participating in disaster-affected areas provides a valuable chance to learn practical disaster medicine and establish fundamental healthcare skills. Objective: This study evaluates the educational impact of disaster volunteer activities and bathing assistance on students. Methods: A survey of 29 students was conducted using a five-point Likert scale, analyzing correlations between interest and understanding of disaster medicine, self-efficacy, learning motivation, teamwork skills, mental stress, and communication with disaster survivors. Results: A strong correlation emerged between interest in disaster medicine and knowledge of disaster conditions (r=0.816, p<0.01). Self-efficacy and accomplishment showed a significant link between accomplishment and self growth (r=0.392, p<0.05), as well as between self-growth and perceived contribution to activities (r=0.458, p<0.05). Learning motivation showed a positive correlation with cooperative skills (r=0.370, p<0.05). Teamwork correlated with supply transport and debris removal (r=0.523, p<0.01), and students who recognized the importance of volunteer work exhibited higher task efficiency (r=0.413, p<0.05). Discussion: These activities enabled students to better understand disaster medical systems and realities, including resource challenges. Bathing assistance for the elderly helped students develop flexible communication by recognizing and addressing their needs. Working with local residents and disaster welfare teams in debris removal emphasized teamwork and leadership, enhancing their learning motivation. Students also reported feelings of accomplishment and self growth through community support. Conclusion: Disaster volunteer activities deepen students’ disaster medicine knowledge and compassion, fostering growth as future paramedics through community support experiences.