Abstract
CONTEXT: Basic life support (BLS) is a core life-saving skill which everyone should know, but knowledge of BLS is poor even among medical students. AIMS: The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge regarding BLS among medical students and see impact of training and also to know whether a short session of video training made an impact on their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Ninety-two 2(nd)-year medical students were included in the study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Their baseline knowledge regarding BLS was assessed before workshop with pretest 1. Following workshop posttest 1 and 1 month later, posttest 2 was conducted. A short duration video training on BLS was done after posttest 2 and its impact was assessed 2 months later with performance of CPR skills on a mannequin. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to evaluate the differences between groups for categorized variables. Unpaired and paired t-test was used to calculate the difference of means for quantitative variables. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in knowledge regarding BLS after the workshop. Even after 1 month, though there was decline in knowledge, still it was significantly higher than the baseline. Short duration video training session did not lead to any improvement in BLS skills. CONCLUSIONS: BLS training should start early in medical curriculum with reinforcement at regular intervals. Single short duration video training session did not have any impact on improvement of skills.