ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PREPAREDNESS OF NURSING AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES STUDENTS TO COUNTERACT BIOLOGICAL THREATS

Abstract

In the face of increasing global biological threats in the modern period, including emerging infectious diseases and biological terrorism, the preparedness of frontline medical personnel is crucial. Nurses and emergency medical service responders play a vital role in detecting, isolating, and containing different biological hazards. This study aimed to evaluate nursing and emergency medical service students' knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness at the Cavalry Captain Witold Pilecki State University of Małopolska in Oswiecim, Poland, to respond effectively to biological threats. A cross-sectional study using the Knowledge–Attitude–Practice (KAP) model was conducted during two educational years between 2023 and 2025. Nurses and emergency medical service students completed full coursework in microbiology, infectious diseases, epidemiology, and public health. Depending on their activities, their competencies were assessed through a 5-point scale test covering biological threat response protocols. For the first time, we investigated the effectiveness of teaching biosafety issues and identified areas for further improvement of the educational process. The average knowledge score was 4.4 for nursing students and 4.2 for emergency medical service students. All respondents expressed a strong willingness to engage in emergency response during a biological terrorism event. Post-training assessment showed high levels of competence (4.0 for nursing, 4.3 for emergency medical service students), despite the limited duration of practical training hours of the courses. The results of our investigation indicated a strong baseline of theoretical and practical readiness among both groups of nurses and emergency medical service students. However, incorporating simulation-based and virtual training modules is recommended to further improve preparedness. Educational programs for nurses and emergency medical service responders should continue evolving to address the growing complexity of biological threats.