University of Calgary Seeking Participants with First Aid Training for Research Study

The University of Calgary is seeking participants for a research study on new pre-hospital choking treatment devices!

After the success of the initial August and September sessions, researchers have decided to continue the study into November and December, with new sessions now available for enrollment! 

These sessions are open to anyone with any level of first aid training, though you must not be currently employed as a healthcare worker (physicians, paramedics, nurses, etc.)

Background

LifeVac© and Dechoker® are airway clearance devices that have recently started to be sold across Canada as choking treatments. The devices are marketed as safer, easier to use alternatives to traditional treatments like back blows and and abdominal thrusts. However, their usage is not currently taught in First Aid courses.

The University of Calgary is looking for individuals who are interested in participating in a free, one-hour session to learn about these devices. The session will include practice with each device to study how easy it is for people to use them. A number of sessions are available for interested participants to sign up for.

Available Sessions

Multiple sessions will be run per day:

Sessions will take place at 4039 Brentwood Rd NW, Unit #150.

Alternate Ways to Participate

For Calgary affiliates, you would also be able to come in as part of First Aid courses that you are hosting, or the research team could visit your workplace to run the training session with your staff. The latter would also be possible for affiliates in the surrounding area (including Edmonton), but please know that a group of at least 5 participants is required for any non-Calgary locations.

If you would like to sign up for a session, discuss having a session take place at your facility, or if you have any questions, please contact Cody Dunne at Cody.dunne@ucalgary.ca.