Understanding of Forensic Medical Evidence by Sawangprateep Sriracha Rescue Volunteers in Chonburi Province

Abstract

                  This research is a descriptive study which was conducted to explore the understanding of forensic medical evidence by Sawangprateep Sriracha rescue volunteers in Chonburi, including forensic evidence, crime scene preservation, and practices for volunteers in response to victims and witnesses of accidents and criminal cases. The sample population consists of 60 rescue volunteers from Sawangprateep Sriracha in Chonburi province. The sampling size of 52 people originated from the Taro Yamanae formula. The research tool is questionnaires for data analysis. The researchers analyzed and processed data based on social research methods. The statistics used in the analysis were percentage, mean, standard deviation, comparison of mean values by t-test. The statistical data were tested at a significance level of 0.05.
                  The research found that most rescue volunteers were male, aged between 21 and 30 years old. Their educational level ranges from secondary education to vocational diploma. Most of them are single and work as private company employees. They have been trained and volunteering for four to six years. They spend their evenings on weekends as rescue volunteers. Problems and obstacles in the operation were at a moderate level due to insufficient supporting equipment.
                  Regarding the understanding of forensic medical evidence, rescue volunteers did not recognize the details about their roles. As they merely knew about first aid treatment and how to save people’s lives, sometimes their help could destroy forensic evidence. It was found that the overall perception of their roles was at a moderate level when considering the problems and obstacles of fire rescuers in Sriracha. For responsive operations, rescue volunteers have a better understanding of forensic evidence. The way they conducted their roles in forensic science was at a moderate level. In sum, forensic investigation is the part that police work. Nevertheless, the quickest way to save a life can sometimes destroy forensic evidence.