PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL COMPETENCE IN PROVIDING FIRST AID AS A BASIC COMPETENCE OF A MEDICAL SPECIALIST

Abstract

The article explores the structure of professional competence of a medical practitioner in providing first aid. Based on a literature analysis, the concept of professional competence is defined as an integrated system of knowledge and skills, applied in practice. Specifically, professional competence in providing first aid is identified as a combination of knowledge, practical skills, interactive abilities, analytical capacities, error correction, and continuous self-education.The article outlines the key components of professional competence in providing first aid and presents an author model of its structure. This model includes theoretical, organizational-operational, reflective, interactive, and acmeological components. The theoretical component encompasses knowledge of the ABCDE algorithm, as well as foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, emergency medicine, traumatology, cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, hematology, and toxicology. The organizational-operational component focuses on practical skills, such as patient assessment, applying the ABCDE algorithm, organizing stabilization procedures, using medical equipment, and performing oxygen therapy and infusion support. The reflective component includes skills for short-term (immediate) and long-term (retrospective) reflection, self-analysis, and self-correction. The interactive component emphasizes effective communication with patients, relatives, and team members, as well as adherence to ethical standards. The acmeological component ensures continuous professional development, stress resilience, leadership qualities, readiness for innovation, and the ability to share knowledge with colleagues.It is summarized that all five components of professional competence are interconnected, and the absence of any one of them reduces the quality of first aid. The importance of developing these components during pre- and postgraduate training is emphasized. The authors highlight the need for further research to optimize the training of medical practitioners in Ukraine.