Five evacuation experiments were performed in a road tunnel in order to test how pedestrians react when exposed to reduced visibility, how the decision making process is carried out, and finally what is the impact of various circumstances like: different level of smokiness, competitive behavior or learning effect on an evacuation process. In four experiments pedestrians were exposed to artificial, non-toxic smoke. During evacuation of a group of people gathered in low and moderate level of smokiness (when Cs < 0.5m−1) we observed multi-line patterns created by pedestrians. Decision making was engaged in only by the first group of passengers, while under heavy smokiness Cs > 0.7m−1 we have observed decision making by small groups and characteristic double-lines patterns. In four experiments the same group of participants was involved, and a learning effect was observed: increasingly shorter pre-movement time and decreasing time required to leave the main tunnel. We show, that movement speed in smoke is influenced by the evacuees’ attitude and familiarity with environment and evacuation procedures and not only by the visibility level.

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Aim: The article presents the results of a survey, which assessed the knowledge of technical university studentson the use of AED (Automated External Defibrillator). The authors put forward two research hypotheses. The first one assumes that the respondents do not have sufficient knowledge about the use of AED. According to the second, the respondents assess their knowledge on using AED at a higher level than it actually is. Project and methods: The survey method was used to assess the knowledge about the location and proper use of the AED. Authors have conducted surveys with 133 respondents (42% women and 58% men) aged 20-24 (average 21.56 ± 0.95 years). Of all subjects, 91% had not previously performed any basic life support before. The questionnaire contained a number of questions that verify both the theoretical knowledge of the respondents and detailed practical knowledge regarding the proper use of the defibrillator. Results: The research results indicate that the level of knowledge about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) among the surveyed students of technical universities is limited. As many as 92% of respondents declared that they know what a defibrillator is used, but only 5% of respondents actually know what defibrillation is. Only 23% of respondents claimed to know the location of the defibrillator at their university, but in fact only 7% of them were able to pinpoint it. As many as 87% of students were not familiar with the location of the defibrillator in their area of residence. Furthermore, only 32% of the respondents answered the question correctly when the defibrillator should be used. Conclusions: The results of the survey indicate an important need for education – not only in terms of general knowledge and skills related to CPR and AED, but especially in practical information about the location of the nearest AED in the workplace, as well as place of residence. Information on the AED location should be included in the first aid training program. It is also important to instruct the audience where such data can be obtained. The authors would like to emphasize that efforts to increase the level of knowledge of lay people are necessary to improve the effectiveness of CPR and AED, and thus the survival of people during sudden life-threatening situations.

This paper presents a preliminary assessment of road tunnel safety issues among respondents—specifically, real and potential users of road tunnels. We recruited a group of respondents to study their knowledge of evacuation procedures and awareness of safety issues in road tunnels. We conducted surveys with 504 participants, 12.7% of whom had previously participated in real-scale evacuation experiments in a road tunnel. Analysis of respondents’ answers reveals that their knowledge of safety procedures is unfortunately not sufficient. On average, the respondents selected the most recommended answer for approximately 5.35 out of 15 questions. Only 16% of respondents correctly answered more than 50% of the survey questions; moreover, no respondent provided the correct answers for 12 or more questions. Interestingly, most respondents were convinced that they had a better knowledge of road tunnel safety issues than was actually the case. The results of the survey demonstrate a significant educational role of evacuation exercises. Individuals who have participated in an evacuation have better knowledge, allowing them to apply the correct rules of road tunnel safety procedures. Various aspects addressed in this paper can be taken into consideration in an information campaign regarding safety in road tunnels during a fire.

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