Impact of capacity building training on emergency medical services for chardham yatra: a pre-test post-test study in a hilly region of North India
Dublin Core
Title
Impact of capacity building training on emergency medical services for chardham yatra: a pre-test post-test study in a hilly region of North India
Subject
Capacity Building, Emergency medical services (EMS), Char Dham Yatra, Medical officer training, High- Altitude illness management
Description
Abstract
Background The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, India, poses significant healthcare challenges due to high altitude,
limited medical infrastructure, and increased risk of emergencies, including high-altitude illnesses and cardiovascular
events. To address these challenges, a capacity-building program was implemented for medical officers, aiming to
enhance their emergency medicine skills.
Method The study was conducted at the Emergency Medicine and Trauma Surgery Department, AIIMS Rishikesh.
The study was conducted for 6 months. A total of 150 medical officers were nominated, with 125 participating. The
training involved weekly sessions over three months, comprising didactic lectures and hands-on practical skills,
particularly in basic life support. Pre and post-tests comprising 20 questions assessed participants’ knowledge, and
skill assessments were conducted using a 7-item questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale.
Result The program resulted in a significant improvement in participants’ knowledge, with an average increase of
41% in post-test scores compared to pre-test scores (p<0.001). Skill assessment showed that 70.4% of participants
were rated as “Outstanding” or “Very Satisfactory.” The distribution of trained officers was uneven across districts, with
Pauri and Tehri having the highest representation.
Conclusion The capacity-building program significantly enhanced the emergency medicine capabilities of medical
officers, leading to better preparedness for handling medical emergencies during the Char Dham Yatra. The positive
outcomes highlight the importance of continued investment in such training programs to reduce morbidity and
mortality. Addressing the uneven distribution of trained officers is crucial for comprehensive emergency medical
coverage along the pilgrimage route.
Keywords Capacity Building, Emergency medical services (EMS), Char Dham Yatra, Medical officer training, High-
Altitude illness management
Background The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, India, poses significant healthcare challenges due to high altitude,
limited medical infrastructure, and increased risk of emergencies, including high-altitude illnesses and cardiovascular
events. To address these challenges, a capacity-building program was implemented for medical officers, aiming to
enhance their emergency medicine skills.
Method The study was conducted at the Emergency Medicine and Trauma Surgery Department, AIIMS Rishikesh.
The study was conducted for 6 months. A total of 150 medical officers were nominated, with 125 participating. The
training involved weekly sessions over three months, comprising didactic lectures and hands-on practical skills,
particularly in basic life support. Pre and post-tests comprising 20 questions assessed participants’ knowledge, and
skill assessments were conducted using a 7-item questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale.
Result The program resulted in a significant improvement in participants’ knowledge, with an average increase of
41% in post-test scores compared to pre-test scores (p<0.001). Skill assessment showed that 70.4% of participants
were rated as “Outstanding” or “Very Satisfactory.” The distribution of trained officers was uneven across districts, with
Pauri and Tehri having the highest representation.
Conclusion The capacity-building program significantly enhanced the emergency medicine capabilities of medical
officers, leading to better preparedness for handling medical emergencies during the Char Dham Yatra. The positive
outcomes highlight the importance of continued investment in such training programs to reduce morbidity and
mortality. Addressing the uneven distribution of trained officers is crucial for comprehensive emergency medical
coverage along the pilgrimage route.
Keywords Capacity Building, Emergency medical services (EMS), Char Dham Yatra, Medical officer training, High-
Altitude illness management
Creator
Nidhi Kaeley1 , Shantam Pokhriyal2 , Madhur Uniyal2* , Johnny Saxena1 , Mimanshu Mittal1 ,
Patel Sanket Mukeshkumar3 , Aditya Choudhary2 and Pushpendra Kaushik2
Patel Sanket Mukeshkumar3 , Aditya Choudhary2 and Pushpendra Kaushik2
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-00858-8
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Nidhi Kaeley1 , Shantam Pokhriyal2 , Madhur Uniyal2* , Johnny Saxena1 , Mimanshu Mittal1 ,
Patel Sanket Mukeshkumar3 , Aditya Choudhary2 and Pushpendra Kaushik2, “Impact of capacity building training on emergency medical services for chardham yatra: a pre-test post-test study in a hilly region of North India,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12728.