Experience and attitudes of paramedics with regard to first aid in dental avulsion.

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to assess the experience and attitudes of paramedics with regard to first aid in dental avulsion. MATERIAL AND METHODS An anonymous, voluntary, 11-item survey was conducted in three randomly selected emergency medical service (EMS) stations in the Province of Podlasie. We analyzed what the respondents know about procedures in dental avulsion. We were also interested in the impact of professional and personal experience on the ability to take proper action in the case of avulsed/injured teeth. The use of teeth protectors during intubation was another aspect of our study. Data were statistically analyzed with the chi2 test. RESULTS The study revealed that paramedics in EMS stations are not trained to provide first aid in dental avulsion. Avulsed teeth were usually not taken from the scene of the accident. We also found that previous experience with dental avulsion did not necessarily help to undertake proper action. However, we found that more than 95% of the respondents would act properly when not on duty. Paramedics do not use any teeth protectors to avoid accidental tooth injuries during intubation. CONCLUSION We found that paramedics in the Province of Podlasie, Poland, need specialist training courses introducing them to principles of first aid in dental avulsion. Ambulances should carry equipment for the transport of avulsed teeth.