Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a major public health issue globally, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. In Nigeria, including Taraba State, the frequency of RTAs continues to increase, and nurses play a crucial role in the initial care provided to accident victims, including administering first aid (Ogunyemi et al., 2023). First aid, including wound care, resuscitation, and stabilizing vital signs, is essential in reducing the severity of injuries and improving patient outcomes before advanced medical care is provided (Okeke et al., 2023). Nurses, especially in rural areas like Taraba State, are often the first healthcare professionals on the scene, and their actions can significantly impact patient survival and recovery.
Despite the vital role of nurses in providing first aid during RTAs, many hospitals in Taraba State face challenges, such as inadequate training, limited resources, and a lack of standard operating procedures for emergency care (Ibrahim et al., 2024). The readiness of nurses to provide effective first aid in such incidents may be influenced by their training, experience, and available emergency resources. This study aims to assess the role of nurses in providing first aid during RTAs in Taraba State and to identify factors that influence their ability to deliver timely and effective care.
Road traffic accidents are a frequent occurrence in Taraba State, yet there is limited research on the role of nurses in providing first aid at the scene or in emergency departments. Nurses' preparedness and ability to deliver effective first aid are critical in minimizing injuries and improving outcomes for RTA victims. However, challenges such as inadequate training and insufficient resources may limit their effectiveness. This study aims to identify the factors affecting nurses' ability to provide first aid during RTAs and suggest improvements in training and emergency care protocols.
This study will focus on nurses working in emergency departments and as part of pre-hospital care teams in Taraba State hospitals. It will evaluate their roles and preparedness in providing first aid during RTAs. Limitations include the possibility of incomplete data from emergency responders and the variable levels of nurse training across different hospitals.