South Asian Research Journal of Nursing and Healthcare (SARJNHC)
Volume-8 | Issue-04
Original Research Article
Effectiveness and Knowledge Retention among the Community First Responders in Nepal
Bimal Singh Bist, Mary Sabados, Ajay Bhatt, Ashma Rawal, Deepesha Silpakar, Puspa Raj Pant, Ishwor Kumar Upadhyaya, Navaraj Joshi Jaishi, Samir Kumar Adhikari
Published : Aug. 1, 2026
Abstract
Background: Timely pre-hospital care is critical in rural Nepal where formal Emergency Medical Services are scarce. In 2018, a three-day Community First Responder (CFR) program was delivered to more than 200 community volunteers in Geruwa Rural Municipality, Bardiya, Nepal; however, long-term effectiveness and degree of skill decay remained unknown. Purpose: To quantify first-aid knowledge retention and on-scene application among CFRs five years after their initial training. Method: A mixed-methods follow-up study was conducted in 2024. Quantitatively, 25-item validated MCQ administered to all reachable CFRs (n = 112). Qualitatively, in-depth interviews with two active CFRs and one elected ward chairperson. Knowledge scores were categorized into quartiles (low, moderate, significant, higher retention). Self-reported emergency responses since training were enumerated and thematic analysis of barriers performed. Results: The response rate was 100 %. Median post-course score was23/25; at five years 59 % of participants retained moderate knowledge, 36 % significant, 4 % higher and 2 % low. CFRs documented 510 real cases (trauma 35 %, burns 15 %, obstetrics 7 %, wildlife attacks 8 %). Complex skills showed the steepest decay: adult CPR ratio 4 % correct, snake-bite immobilization 5 %. Qualitative themes included language and literacy mismatches (Tharu vs. Nepali), transport delays, time-conflict with farming, demand for local refresher trainers. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Community-based CFR training yields measurable but partially decayed knowledge at five years, sustained by periodic field practice. Embedding language-appropriate refreshers, local trainers and transport solutions is essential to preserving life-saving competence in low-resource settings.