Abstract :
Background and Aim: The knowledge and skills about Basic Life Support (BLS) is the most important
determining factor of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) success rates. This study was conducted on
BLS skills to assess the effects of pre training evaluation followed by post training evaluation and retention
of knowledge after six months among medical and dental students.
Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted by assessing the responses of 20 basic
questions regarding Basic Life Support prepared from BLS 2015 AHA Guideline. Total number of 300
respondents were selected for the survey which included 200 medical and 100 dental students. The
assessment of the knowledge of the students was done in three phases in the form of (pre test) performance
in pre training evaluation, immediately after training (post test) and at follow up after six months (retention
test). The data was analysed and expressed as mean, standard deviation and percentage. T test were used
for statistical analysis and P values
Results: Among Medical students the average score in pre test was 56.92 18.90%, in post test the score
was 80.87 17.97%, and in retention test the score was 72.45 17.85%. Among Dental students the average
score in pre test was 50.40 16.34%, in post test the score was 67.70 15.75%, and in retention test the score
was 59.45 15.96%. P values
Conclusion: The knowledge of BLS before training was inadequate. The present BLS training programme
was effective in enhancing the knowledge of resuscitation among the students. To enhance the retention
power time to time retraining by working on mannequins to practice and perfect their skills is highly
recommended for the students.
Keyword :
Basic life support, Cardiac arrest, Medical students, Dental students, Training.