comparison of basic life support (bls) video self-instructional system and traditional bls training in first year nursing students

background. for several years, educators have criticized the lecture-based approach to teaching and learning. experts have rightly stressed on acquisition of a number of critical skills rather than focusing on lectures. purpose. to compare students’ performance after self-education with vcd and manikin, with thei performance after standard bls training. methods. in this randomized controlled study, twenty first-year nursing students were divided into two groups randomly, and were provided with basic life support (bls) instruction either in the traditional format of lecturing or with vcd and manikin without tutor. the students’ performance was evaluated on a manikin with a checklist including all steps in bls. results.   with traditional instruction, students’ mean score was 42.2±3.91, while it was 46.3±3.86 with self-education, showing no significant difference. conclusion. in nursing students with no previous bls training, access to vcd and manikin facilitates immediate achievement of educational objectives similar to those of a standard bls course. self-learning bls with vcd should be enhanced with a short period of hands-on practice.