Introduction. Considering the extent and consequences of road traffic accidents, drivers should know the principles of first aid. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the scope of knowledge concerning principles of first aid provided in road traffic accidents among drivers of the Staszów County. Material and methods. The study encompassed 80 respondents, active drivers, mainly workers of state institutions. A diagnostic survey was carried out based on the author's questionnaire. Results. The number of individuals capable of taking proper action aimed at protecting basic vital functions was found to be too low; 1/10th respondent would not administer any life-or health-saving first aid. The lack of knowledge regarding the ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths was observed in 43.75% of respondents while the proper depth of compressions during cardiac massage was known to 11.25% of respondents. Additionally, not all participants of road traffic knew alarm phone numbers and were aware of a legal obligation to administer first aid to accident victims. First aid courses expand the knowledge of pre-professional medical rescue activities. Conclusions. 1. Only a few drivers are prepared to administer first aid on the scene. A large proportion does not know the current guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council. 2. Effectiveness of first aid courses is low; therefore, the number of practical classes should be increased, so that each participant who completed the course could deliver proper first aid at the scene of a road traffic accident. Cyclic participation of drivers in first aid courses should be considered. 3. Besides driving tests, future drivers should take exams concerning rescue procedures at the scene of accident.

Introduction: Despite advances in medicine, epilepsy remains a mysterious and fearsome disease, which induces social stigma and alienation of those who suffer from it. Such attitudes are perceived by epileptics themselves, who often feel stigmatised by the sheer fact of being sick, which implies an experience of social isolation. Aim of the research: To assess the life quality of epileptic outpatients. Material and methods:The study, conducted in Q4 2013 (October-December), included 185 adult people with diagnosed epilepsy. To collect the information about the subject matter of the thesis, the authors used the method of a diagnostic survey and two questionnaires as tools -one, the authors' own and another standardised Life Satisfaction Scale questionnaire, adopted by Z. Juczyński. Results:The obtained study results reveal that the majority of respondents consider their health condition to be poor. The satisfaction of life was higher among urban residents and those with higher education. The lowest quality of life was found among people in the 50-plus age bracket, and nearly half of respondents felt alienated due to the disease. Conclusions: A subjective assessment of satisfaction of life constitutes a significant aspect of functioning for every person. For each respondent, determination of life quality is an individual and highly complex issue. Patients who are in a similar situation from a clinical perspective may perceive their everyday limitations in a completely different way and, as a result, assess their life capabilities differently.

Introduction. Alcoholism is one of the most serious social issues of modern times. In Poland, the importance of problems resulting from alcohol abuse or misuse is significant, both in the context of health, economic and social consequences. Aim. The aim of the present study was to determine health and psychosocial losses of alcohol abuse among residents of social care institutions. Material and methods. A diagnostic survey was conducted using the author`s questionnaire. The study was carried out among 30 residents of the nursing home in Kielce. The inclusion criterion was alcohol abuse. Results. In the study group, the largest group consisted of divorced residents-66.67%. All of them admitted that alcohol abuse was the cause of divorce. Lack of contact with families was declared by 56.67% of respondents. None of the residents (100%) was visited by friends from outside the nursing home. Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations after alcohol) were found in 73.33% of residents. Somatic symptoms (headache, stomachache) and sleep disorders were confirmed by 90% of respondents. Attempts to cope with addiction were undertaken by 76.67% of residents; 73.33% declared their readiness to limit alcohol consumption. Conclusions. Adverse consequences of alcohol abuse involve somatic, family-related, social and emotional spheres. Respondents have large deficits in social relations due to long-term alcohol abuse and excessive preoccupation with alcohol. Alcohol in nursing homes fills the time, eliminates the feeling of loneliness, kills boredom and helps to forget about problems. Residents abusing alcohol on a daily basis feel alienated and have low self-esteem.