Part of

Bystander Enablement Research Programme

Often members of the public or non-clinical emergency services are the first on the scene following a road traffic collision. The Bystander Enablement Research Programme is a research study examining how these people could assess an injured patient. It focuses on simple, equipment‑free trauma assessments that may be performed by bystanders or non-clinical emergency responders before ambulance services arrive.

Why?

Early assessment and communication at road traffic collisions can influence patient outcomes. This research aims to generate evidence to improve trauma assessment, decision‑making, and communication across public and professional responder groups, helping to inform future training and practice.

Who is running the study?

It is led by the Chief Investigator, Professor Tim Nutbeam, with support from the IMPACT Centre research team.

The study is sponsored by Devon Air Ambulance Trust. In this context, “sponsor” is a research term and does not refer to financial sponsorship. Rather, it means that Devon Air Ambulance is responsible for overseeing the study and ensuring it is carried out safely, ethically, and to a high standard. Financial support for the study is provided by external funders.

When and where?

  • Location: Middlemoor Fire Station, Exeter
  • Dates: 2-4 June 2026
  • Daily running time: approx. 7:30am-5:00pm

Who are we looking for?

We are recruiting for both:

  • Study participants
  • Event volunteers

What is the time commitment?

For study participants:

  • Approx. 2 hours in total
  • Participation is scheduled during one of the study days
  • You will be allocated a time slot

 

For volunteers:

  • Flexible commitment (part-day or full-day)
  • Breaks are encouraged and supported throughout the day
  • We may also need some help with set-up in the afternoon the day before (1st June)

Study Participants

Eligible people include:

  • Members of the public (lay bystanders)
  • Police officers
  • Fire and rescue personnel
  • Clinicians working in pre‑hospital or emergency care

 

Study participants take part in a series of short, structured research activities that simulate the early assessment of an injured person after a road traffic collision. They assess things like consciousness, pulse, heart rate, and medication preparation using simple tools or simulations, without real patients or drugs. Their responses and performance are recorded to help answer the research question about how accurately different people can carry out these assessments. 

Event Volunteers

We are also looking for volunteers to help us run the event: 

  • Welcome desk and guiding participants
  • General event support (setting up, packing down, room organisation)
  • Catering support (refreshments, no specialist food preparation)
  • Managing participant flow between areas
  • Optional Module 2 volunteering (acting as a pulse assessment volunteer, with separate
    information, screening, and consent)

 

One of the study modules requires volunteers to have their radial pulse detected by the study participants. Individuals interested in volunteering will be provided with the information and consent forms for this. While it is optional, we will need a minimum number of volunteers each day who are consented to participate in this activity.

Can someone be both a participant and a volunteer?

Yes – but only in one direction:

  • You must participate in the study first
  • You may volunteer after completing your participation
  • You must not volunteer first and then participate in the study

 

This order is essential to protect the integrity of the research.

Are there any restrictions on discussing the study?

Yes – to protect the validity of the research:

  • Anyone who has already participated or volunteered must not discuss the study
    (including tasks, modules, or scenarios) with anyone who has not yet taken part
  • This includes informal conversations and well‑intentioned advice

 

Does volunteering involve medical or clinical responsibilities?

No – volunteers will not be asked to:

  • Provide medical or clinical care
  • Make safety‑critical decisions
  • Perform tasks requiring specialist qualifications
  • Undertake physical research procedures without separate consent

 

A first aider and named coordinators will be present throughout

Why should I get involved?

This is a chance to see how research actually happens, even if you’ve never been involved before. You’ll be part of the stage where we gather real‑world information to answer a question, rather than reading papers or analysing results. It shows how a simple question becomes a structured study, how data are collected on the ground, and how that information is used to start building evidence. It’s a practical way to understand what research really looks like behind the scenes, with no prior experience needed.

 

Will there be biscuits?

Yes – study participants will be offered refreshments, biscuits and fruit.

Volunteers will be provided with refreshments, lunch, biscuits and fruit. Dietary information will be asked for in the volunteer form.

 

How do I get involved?

Volunteering:

To sign up to volunteer, please fill in this form: BEP Volunteer Form. You will then be sent the module 2 information sheet and consent form.

Study participation:
First, you need to read the Study Participant Information Sheet Participant Information Sheet. To take part in the study please e-mail Lauren.Rodgers@post-collision.com. You will then be provided with a link to the consent form.

 

Who can I contact for more information?

Any questions, please contact:

     research@post-collision.com

 

 

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