Evaluating Knowledge of First Aid Among Hospitality Management Student at the Cape Coast Technical University

Samuel Otoo; Richmond Yeboah; Marvel Hinson; Mary Adu Boakye

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15

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Evaluating Knowledge of First Aid Among Hospitality Management Student at the Cape Coast Technical University

Samuel Otoo^*

, Richmond Yeboah

, Marvel Hinson

, Mary Adu Boakye

Published in International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research (Volume 11, Issue 2)

Received: 18 September 2025 Accepted: 28 September 2025 Published: 28 October 2025

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Abstract

The hospitality industry is characterized by fast-paced, high-risk environments where staff and students are consistently exposed to accidents such as burns, cuts, slips, and choking incidents. Given these occupational hazards, first aid proficiency is an essential competency for hospitality management students who regularly engage in hands-on training and interact with the public. This study evaluates the knowledge of first aid among hospitality management students at Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), Ghana, using the Safety Competence Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as guiding frameworks. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, with a sample of 210 students proportionally selected from Diploma, Higher National Diploma (HND), and Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) programmes. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering first aid prevention, care, and maintenance, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques. Findings indicate that students demonstrated strong awareness of preventive measures, including the use of protective gear, inspection of equipment, and organization of workspaces. They also showed considerable competence in first aid care, reporting confidence in wound management, bandaging, recognizing heart attack symptoms, and handling choking emergencies. Moreover, first aid maintenance knowledge, such as keeping kits accessible, restocking supplies, and disposing of expired items, was the strongest predictor of preventive practices (β = 0.609). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships among the three domains, confirming that prevention, care, and maintenance are interdependent. However, the study identified gaps in advanced life-saving skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with potential knowledge decay over time among students who had received training more than a year prior. The study concludes that while CCTU hospitality students possess generally good first aid knowledge, sustained competence requires structured, hands-on training integrated into the curriculum and reinforced through periodic refresher courses. Embedding such training will not only enhance student and guest safety but also strengthen professional readiness, aligning with the hospitality sector’s standards for quality, safety, and risk management.

Published in	International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research (Volume 11, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15
Page(s)	109-117
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Hospitality, First Aid, Students, Knowledge, Risk Management and Management

References

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APA Style

Otoo, S., Yeboah, R., Hinson, M., Boakye, M. A. (2025). Evaluating Knowledge of First Aid Among Hospitality Management Student at the Cape Coast Technical University. International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research, 11(2), 109-117. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15

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ACS Style

Otoo, S.; Yeboah, R.; Hinson, M.; Boakye, M. A. Evaluating Knowledge of First Aid Among Hospitality Management Student at the Cape Coast Technical University. Int. J. Vocat. Educ. Train. Res. 2025, 11(2), 109-117. doi: 10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15

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AMA Style

Otoo S, Yeboah R, Hinson M, Boakye MA. Evaluating Knowledge of First Aid Among Hospitality Management Student at the Cape Coast Technical University. Int J Vocat Educ Train Res. 2025;11(2):109-117. doi: 10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15,
  author = {Samuel Otoo and Richmond Yeboah and Marvel Hinson and Mary Adu Boakye},
  title = {Evaluating Knowledge of First Aid Among Hospitality Management Student at the Cape Coast Technical University
},
  journal = {International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {109-117},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijvetr.20251102.15},
  abstract = {The hospitality industry is characterized by fast-paced, high-risk environments where staff and students are consistently exposed to accidents such as burns, cuts, slips, and choking incidents. Given these occupational hazards, first aid proficiency is an essential competency for hospitality management students who regularly engage in hands-on training and interact with the public. This study evaluates the knowledge of first aid among hospitality management students at Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), Ghana, using the Safety Competence Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as guiding frameworks. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, with a sample of 210 students proportionally selected from Diploma, Higher National Diploma (HND), and Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) programmes. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering first aid prevention, care, and maintenance, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques. Findings indicate that students demonstrated strong awareness of preventive measures, including the use of protective gear, inspection of equipment, and organization of workspaces. They also showed considerable competence in first aid care, reporting confidence in wound management, bandaging, recognizing heart attack symptoms, and handling choking emergencies. Moreover, first aid maintenance knowledge, such as keeping kits accessible, restocking supplies, and disposing of expired items, was the strongest predictor of preventive practices (β = 0.609). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships among the three domains, confirming that prevention, care, and maintenance are interdependent. However, the study identified gaps in advanced life-saving skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with potential knowledge decay over time among students who had received training more than a year prior. The study concludes that while CCTU hospitality students possess generally good first aid knowledge, sustained competence requires structured, hands-on training integrated into the curriculum and reinforced through periodic refresher courses. Embedding such training will not only enhance student and guest safety but also strengthen professional readiness, aligning with the hospitality sector’s standards for quality, safety, and risk management.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Evaluating Knowledge of First Aid Among Hospitality Management Student at the Cape Coast Technical University

AU  - Samuel Otoo
AU  - Richmond Yeboah
AU  - Marvel Hinson
AU  - Mary Adu Boakye
Y1  - 2025/10/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15
T2  - International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research
JF  - International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research
JO  - International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research
SP  - 109
EP  - 117
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2469-8199
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15
AB  - The hospitality industry is characterized by fast-paced, high-risk environments where staff and students are consistently exposed to accidents such as burns, cuts, slips, and choking incidents. Given these occupational hazards, first aid proficiency is an essential competency for hospitality management students who regularly engage in hands-on training and interact with the public. This study evaluates the knowledge of first aid among hospitality management students at Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), Ghana, using the Safety Competence Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as guiding frameworks. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, with a sample of 210 students proportionally selected from Diploma, Higher National Diploma (HND), and Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) programmes. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering first aid prevention, care, and maintenance, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques. Findings indicate that students demonstrated strong awareness of preventive measures, including the use of protective gear, inspection of equipment, and organization of workspaces. They also showed considerable competence in first aid care, reporting confidence in wound management, bandaging, recognizing heart attack symptoms, and handling choking emergencies. Moreover, first aid maintenance knowledge, such as keeping kits accessible, restocking supplies, and disposing of expired items, was the strongest predictor of preventive practices (β = 0.609). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships among the three domains, confirming that prevention, care, and maintenance are interdependent. However, the study identified gaps in advanced life-saving skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with potential knowledge decay over time among students who had received training more than a year prior. The study concludes that while CCTU hospitality students possess generally good first aid knowledge, sustained competence requires structured, hands-on training integrated into the curriculum and reinforced through periodic refresher courses. Embedding such training will not only enhance student and guest safety but also strengthen professional readiness, aligning with the hospitality sector’s standards for quality, safety, and risk management.

VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Samuel Otoo

Department of Hospitality Management, Cape Coast Technical University, Cape Coast, Ghana

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6649-3851
Richmond Yeboah

Department of Tourism Management, Cape Coast Technical University, Cape Coast, Ghana

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5041-8291
Marvel Hinson

Department of Hospitality Management, Cape Coast Technical University, Cape Coast, Ghana

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0003-2631-4630
Mary Adu Boakye

Department of Hospitality Management, Cape Coast Technical University, Cape Coast, Ghana

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0007-5867-3389

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APA Style

Otoo, S., Yeboah, R., Hinson, M., Boakye, M. A. (2025). Evaluating Knowledge of First Aid Among Hospitality Management Student at the Cape Coast Technical University. International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research, 11(2), 109-117. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15

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ACS Style

Otoo, S.; Yeboah, R.; Hinson, M.; Boakye, M. A. Evaluating Knowledge of First Aid Among Hospitality Management Student at the Cape Coast Technical University. Int. J. Vocat. Educ. Train. Res. 2025, 11(2), 109-117. doi: 10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15

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AMA Style

Otoo S, Yeboah R, Hinson M, Boakye MA. Evaluating Knowledge of First Aid Among Hospitality Management Student at the Cape Coast Technical University. Int J Vocat Educ Train Res. 2025;11(2):109-117. doi: 10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15,
  author = {Samuel Otoo and Richmond Yeboah and Marvel Hinson and Mary Adu Boakye},
  title = {Evaluating Knowledge of First Aid Among Hospitality Management Student at the Cape Coast Technical University
},
  journal = {International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {109-117},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijvetr.20251102.15},
  abstract = {The hospitality industry is characterized by fast-paced, high-risk environments where staff and students are consistently exposed to accidents such as burns, cuts, slips, and choking incidents. Given these occupational hazards, first aid proficiency is an essential competency for hospitality management students who regularly engage in hands-on training and interact with the public. This study evaluates the knowledge of first aid among hospitality management students at Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), Ghana, using the Safety Competence Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as guiding frameworks. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, with a sample of 210 students proportionally selected from Diploma, Higher National Diploma (HND), and Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) programmes. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering first aid prevention, care, and maintenance, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques. Findings indicate that students demonstrated strong awareness of preventive measures, including the use of protective gear, inspection of equipment, and organization of workspaces. They also showed considerable competence in first aid care, reporting confidence in wound management, bandaging, recognizing heart attack symptoms, and handling choking emergencies. Moreover, first aid maintenance knowledge, such as keeping kits accessible, restocking supplies, and disposing of expired items, was the strongest predictor of preventive practices (β = 0.609). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships among the three domains, confirming that prevention, care, and maintenance are interdependent. However, the study identified gaps in advanced life-saving skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with potential knowledge decay over time among students who had received training more than a year prior. The study concludes that while CCTU hospitality students possess generally good first aid knowledge, sustained competence requires structured, hands-on training integrated into the curriculum and reinforced through periodic refresher courses. Embedding such training will not only enhance student and guest safety but also strengthen professional readiness, aligning with the hospitality sector’s standards for quality, safety, and risk management.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Evaluating Knowledge of First Aid Among Hospitality Management Student at the Cape Coast Technical University

AU  - Samuel Otoo
AU  - Richmond Yeboah
AU  - Marvel Hinson
AU  - Mary Adu Boakye
Y1  - 2025/10/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15
T2  - International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research
JF  - International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research
JO  - International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research
SP  - 109
EP  - 117
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2469-8199
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijvetr.20251102.15
AB  - The hospitality industry is characterized by fast-paced, high-risk environments where staff and students are consistently exposed to accidents such as burns, cuts, slips, and choking incidents. Given these occupational hazards, first aid proficiency is an essential competency for hospitality management students who regularly engage in hands-on training and interact with the public. This study evaluates the knowledge of first aid among hospitality management students at Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), Ghana, using the Safety Competence Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as guiding frameworks. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, with a sample of 210 students proportionally selected from Diploma, Higher National Diploma (HND), and Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) programmes. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering first aid prevention, care, and maintenance, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques. Findings indicate that students demonstrated strong awareness of preventive measures, including the use of protective gear, inspection of equipment, and organization of workspaces. They also showed considerable competence in first aid care, reporting confidence in wound management, bandaging, recognizing heart attack symptoms, and handling choking emergencies. Moreover, first aid maintenance knowledge, such as keeping kits accessible, restocking supplies, and disposing of expired items, was the strongest predictor of preventive practices (β = 0.609). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships among the three domains, confirming that prevention, care, and maintenance are interdependent. However, the study identified gaps in advanced life-saving skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with potential knowledge decay over time among students who had received training more than a year prior. The study concludes that while CCTU hospitality students possess generally good first aid knowledge, sustained competence requires structured, hands-on training integrated into the curriculum and reinforced through periodic refresher courses. Embedding such training will not only enhance student and guest safety but also strengthen professional readiness, aligning with the hospitality sector’s standards for quality, safety, and risk management.

VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

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