Knowledge of Orthopaedic Emergency Care Among Prehospital Responders in Gombe State

Prehospital care of orthopaedic emergencies is a critical determinant of patient outcomes, yet the knowledge and skills of first responders in Nigerian communities are frequently inadequate. This cross-sectional descriptive study assesses the knowledge of orthopaedic emergency care among prehospital responders in Gombe State, North East Nigeria, specifically focusing on commercial drivers, taxi operators, and designated first aid volunteers at motor parks in three local government areas. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire will test knowledge of fracture immobilisation, haemorrhage control, spinal precautions, transportation of injured persons, and indications for urgent hospital referral. Knowledge will be scored and categorised as adequate or inadequate, and factors associated with knowledge level including training history, years of experience, and education level will be analysed. The study hypothesises that fewer than 30 percent of respondents will demonstrate adequate knowledge of orthopaedic emergency care. Findings will be presented to the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps to support the design of prehospital trauma training programmes tailored to community first responders. This research addresses a critical evidence gap in emergency trauma preparedness in North East Nigeria, contributing to national efforts to reduce preventable prehospital orthopaedic deaths and disability. Keywords: prehospital care, orthopaedic emergency, first responders, Gombe State, trauma knowledge.