Injuries due to both unintentional causes and violence took the lives of 4.4 million people around the world in 2019 and constitute 8 % of all deaths World Health Organization [1]. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering neurological condition with significant socioeconomic consequences for patients and their caregivers [2]. SCI is one type of neurological impairment that affects motor and sensory disorders as well as difficulty completing everyday living activities [3]. According to the WHO data from 2016, approximately 2.5–5 million instances of SCI occur globally each year. They affect around 2 to 4 % of trauma victims. Almost half of these injuries occur in the cervical area. They also affect 20 % of sufferers of cervical spinal damage and 5 % of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) [4].

The SCIs have disastrous physical, social, and occupational repercussions for patients and their families. Additionally, the direct expenses for the treatment of SCI patients are enormous, ranging from US$1.1 to 4.6 million per patient throughout their lifetime, emphasizing the need for avoidance as the most critical intervention we can provide [5].

Jordan is known to have a high rate of traffic accidents resulting in human injuries and fatalities. The number of accidents, deaths, and serious injuries is significant, and the cost to the state is also substantial (Jordanian Public Security Directorate [6]. The most frequent causes of traumatic SCI globally are road traffic accidents, followed by falls [7]. According to JPSD in 2021, there were 11,241 traffic accidents with human injuries, including 595 deaths, 737 serious injuries, and 6,325 moderate injuries, costing the state 320 million Jordanian dinars [6].

Emergency nurses in healthcare centers are typically the first responders to SCI cases. Their awareness, sufficient knowledge and understanding, and dependent expertise in accurately identifying these injuries and effectively managing them are crucial. It is essential for healthcare providers to be well-versed in the best practices for diagnosing SCI and implementing appropriate and timely management strategies to ensure optimal patient outcomes [8]. In the context of SCIs, it is important to identify which sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers have a significant impact on the prevention and care of patients with SCIs [9]. Furthermore, there is a gap in understanding the relationship between caregivers' awareness related to SCIs and the sociodemographic variables that may influence this aspect of cognition. Addressing this gap is essential to develop targeted interventions and support strategies that enhance the quality of SCI prevention and care, particularly considering the diverse sociodemographic backgrounds of caregivers.

Emergency healthcare providers' actions upon first witnessing or suspecting SCIs are critical. This includes the use of appropriate equipment, medications, and rehabilitation strategies [10], [11]. Despite advances in medical knowledge and technology, SCI patients face significant challenges, and emergency healthcare providers play a pivotal role in providing timely and effective care. However, there is limited research on their awareness regarding SCIs in Jordan, leading to potentially suboptimal care and poor patient experiences [12].

Thus, assessing the awareness of emergency healthcare providers in Jordan, including their knowledge and initial practice related to SCIs, is crucial. Identifying areas where additional training is needed can significantly enhance the quality of emergency care for SCI cases. Addressing these gaps will improve patient care during emergencies and lead to better patient outcomes.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the awareness level of emergency healthcare providers in Jordan regarding SCI, assessing their knowledge of diagnosis, treatment protocols, and preventive measures. Additionally, the study seeks to identify potential gaps in understanding and training needs to enhance the quality of emergency care for patients with SCI.

What are the levels of knowledge and practices of Jordanian EHCPs related to SCI?

What are the predictors of the EHCPs’ SCI-related practices?