Welcome to the home of the RFA SES

This website is designed to provide you with information related to the remote First Aid Self-Efficacy Scale (RFA SES) development and use. It also provides access to the online version of the scale, and a feedback form is included since the scale is still in the development and validation phase and we are seeking comments & input.

Canada’s geographically remote regions are home to small communities, outdoor adventure opportunities, and worksites. However, in the unfortunate event of an accident, many of these remote populations do not have close/direct access to emergency medical services (EMS). In most remote regions, paramedical services are not available, and victims require emergency transportation via helicopter or plane to reach the nearest medical center, should an accident occur. As a result, these populations rely on trained first responders to help bridge the gap; this leads to a compelling need for effective first aid training and confident first aiders. Unfortunately, just because someone has the knowledge and skills to respond doesn’t necessarily mean that they will respond. Additionally, just because someone may have the skills doesn’t mean their response will be effective, if their perceived self-efficacy is lacking. Self-efficacy is a well-developed social cognitive theory that is ascribed to the foundational research of Albert Bandura. It can be defined simply as “people’s beliefs in their capabilities to produce given attainments”(2). In 2006, Bandura provided recommendations for the development of self-efficacy scales (SESs). This led our team to the development of an early draft of the RFA SES.

Currently, we have launched a validation study of the RFA SES in order to assess the dimensionality, reliability, validity and capabilities of the scale in different remote contexts. This study is addressing the research question: Is the Remote First Aid Self- Efficacy Scale (RFA SES) a valid and reliable tool for the evaluation of first aid training courses in remote contexts?

The RFA SES team is currently working with key professionals to finish the development and validation of this tool.

We are hopeful that our work will help contribute to creating safer remote communities, worksites, and outdoor adventure pursuits.