Sudden cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Immediate recognition and prompt initiation of Basic Life Support (BLS) significantly improve survival outcomes. BLS includes early recognition of cardiac arrest, activation of emergency response systems, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) ^(1,2)

Healthcare professionals are often the first responders in medical emergencies. Therefore, adequate knowledge and practical skills related to BLS are essential not only for doctors but also for medical, dental, and nursing students. Despite being included in medical curricula, BLS training is often inadequate, irregular, or lacks hands-on exposure ⁽³⁾

This study was undertaken to evaluate and compare awareness and knowledge regarding BLS among different healthcare disciplines.

Objectives

1. To assess the level of awareness and knowledge of BLS among medical, dental, nursing students, and doctors.
2. To compare BLS knowledge among different healthcare groups.
3. To determine the impact of prior BLS training on knowledge levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study Design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Study Setting

A tertiary care teaching hospital and associated medical, dental, and nursing colleges.

Study Population

• Medical students (MBBS)
• Dental students (BDS)
• Nursing students (GNM/B.Sc Nursing)
• Practicing doctors (interns, residents, faculty)

Sample Size

400 participants (100 from each group).

Inclusion Criteria

• Willing participants
• Students and doctors actively enrolled or working in the institution

Exclusion Criteria

• Participants who had undergone formal BLS training within the last 6 months
• Incomplete questionnaire responses

Study Tool

A pre-validated structured questionnaire consisting of:

• Demographic details
• Previous exposure to BLS training
• 20 MCQs based on standard BLS guidelines (CPR steps, compression rate, compression-ventilation ratio, AED usage)

Data Analysis

• Descriptive statistics (mean, percentage)
• Comparison using Chi-square test
• p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant

RESULTS

Demographic Distribution

• Mean age: 23.6 ± 4.2 years
• Male: 52%, Female: 48%

Overall BLS Knowledge

Effect of Prior BLS Training

Participants with prior BLS training demonstrated significantly higher scores compared to those without training (p < 0.05).

Knowledge Gaps Identified

• Correct compression rate
• Compression depth
• AED sequence
• Management of choking

TABLES

Table 1: Demographic Characteristics of Study Participants

Table 2: Comparison of Overall BLS Knowledge Scores

Table 3: Knowledge of Individual BLS Components

Table 4: Association Between Prior BLS Training and Knowledge Level

Chi-square test applied

• The comparison of BLS knowledge among different healthcare groups revealed that doctors had significantly higher awareness levels compared to students. Medical students performed better than nursing and dental students. Prior exposure to formal BLS training was strongly associated with higher knowledge scores (p < 0.001). Major deficiencies were noted in knowledge regarding compression depth, AED usage, and choking management.

DISCUSSION

The findings of the present study reveal moderate awareness of BLS among doctors and medical students, whereas dental and nursing students demonstrated comparatively inadequate knowledge. Similar trends have been reported in previous Indian and international studies, highlighting insufficient structured and repeated BLS training ^(3,4)

Doctors exhibited better knowledge levels, likely due to greater clinical exposure; however, significant gaps were still identified. This is consistent with studies showing that even practicing healthcare professionals may lack adequate retention of BLS knowledge over time ^(5,6)

The results emphasize the need for continuous medical education, periodic re-certification, and hands-on training programs. Incorporation of simulation-based learning and structured training modules has been shown to significantly enhance both knowledge and practical skills in BLS ^(7,8)

CONCLUSION

Awareness and knowledge of Basic Life Support among healthcare students and professionals are suboptimal, particularly among dental and nursing students. Regular, mandatory BLS training programs with hands-on practice should be implemented across all healthcare disciplines to enhance emergency preparedness and patient outcomes.

Recommendations

• Mandatory BLS certification at entry and exit levels of healthcare courses
• Annual refresher training programs
• Integration of simulation-based learning
• Institutional emergency drills

Limitations

• Single-center study
• Knowledge assessment without skill evaluation
• Self-reported questionnaire may introduce bias

REFERENCES

1. American Heart Association. 2020 Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.
2. Meaney PA, Bobrow BJ, Mancini ME, et al. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality: improving cardiac resuscitation outcomes. Circulation. 2013.
3. Chandrasekaran S, Kumar S, Bhat SA, et al. Awareness of basic life support among medical, dental, nursing students and doctors. Indian Journal of Anaesthesia. 2010.
4. Zaheer H, Haque Z. Awareness about BLS among healthcare professionals. Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock. 2009.
5. Abolfotouh MA, et al. Knowledge and attitude toward BLS among healthcare workers. BMC Health Services Research. 2017.
6. Oermann MH, et al. CPR knowledge retention among healthcare providers. Resuscitation. 2011.
7. Perkins GD, et al. Simulation-based training in resuscitation. Resuscitation. 2015.
8. Nasir N, et al. Effectiveness of BLS training programs among students. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences. 2019.
9. Roshana S, et al. Basic life support: knowledge and attitude of medical/paramedical professionals. World Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2012.
10. Sharma R, Attar NR. Adult basic life support knowledge among healthcare professionals. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 2012.