Evaluation of the basic life support and first aid knowledge level of licensed sports coaches in Turkey

Objective: This research aims to evaluate the knowledge level of licensed sports coaches working in Turkey on basic life support and first aid practices. Materials and Methods: In the study, the questionnaire form was transferred to the online environment (Google Forms). The questionnaire form transferred to the online environment was delivered to the coaches via social media applications (Whatsapp, Instagram, e-mail and X etc.). Coaches were informed about confidentiality before the application. The participants took approximately 10 minutes to complete the study. The data of coaches without a current licence were out of in the study. The responses of the coaches were analysed using SPSS 27.0 programme. Results: A total of 182 licensed sports coaches participated in the survey. The average correct answer rate for coaches was %51,4. No significant differences were found in terms of knowledge level comparing with gender, age, previous first aid training, updating coaching license, and education status. The propositions with the highest rate of incorrect answers were the 10th proposition (n=164, %90,1), the 3rd proposition (n=151, %83), and the 7th proposition (n=146, %80,2). The propositions most correctly identified were the 4th proposition (n=175, %96,2), the 20th proposition (n=159, %87,4), and the 23rd proposition (n=156, %85,7). The propositions with the highest 'I don't know' responses were the 15th proposition (n=88, %48,4), the 21st proposition (n=59, %32,4), and the 14th proposition (n=58, %31,9). Conclusion: Our study argues that there is a need for additional training in Basic Life Support, First Aid, and AED usage in the coaching certification curriculum to ensure that licensed coaches are prepared for situations requiring emergency intervention. Keywords: First Aid, Basic Life Support, Coaching, Sport.