Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Emergency Nurses toward Road Traffic Accident Victims: A Cross-Sectional Study at Connaught Hospital, Sierra Leone

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) represent a leading cause of trauma and death globally, with the burden disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Sierra Leone, RTAs constitute a significant share of trauma admissions at tertiary hospitals such as Connaught Hospital. Nurses, as frontline responders, play a critical role in the emergency management of RTA victims. However, little is known about their preparedness, particularly in resource- constrained settings.  Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of emergency nurses toward the management of RTA victims at Connaught Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone, and to identify challenges impeding effective trauma care.  Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among all eligible emergency nurses at Connaught Hospital between January and April 2025. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering socio- demographics, emergency knowledge, attitudes, practices, and systemic challenges. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with results presented in frequencies, percentages, and bar charts. Results: Out of 52 respondents, the majority (94.2%) demonstrated good practical knowledge of airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) principles and emergency equipment use. Despite this, only 36.5% rated their trauma training as adequate. A high proportion (94.2%) were willing to provide emergency care, yet 34.6% feared causing harm due to limited training. Critical gaps were identified in equipment recognition, triage decision-making, and psychological readiness. Key challenges included limited resources (75.0%), insufficient training (46.2%), financial constraints (48.1%), and lack of standardized protocols (reported by 44.2%).  Conclusion: Emergency nurses at Connaught Hospital possess commendable commitment and basic trauma care competencies but face systemic barriers including inadequate training, poor equipment functionality, and protocol dissemination gaps. Targeted interventions such as structured trauma education, investment in emergency infrastructure, and development of national emergency care protocols are urgently needed to improve RTA management outcomes.