Improving advanced cardiovascular life support skills in medical students: simulation-based education approach

Introduction Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) which is part of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is a procedure to preserve brain function until the establishment of spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a cars diac arrested patient. These urgent interventions include airway management, respiration support, treatment of Bradyarrhythmia and Tachyarrhythmia (1). In fact rescuing the patient in complex cardiovascular, respiratory as well as other metabolic, toxicological and other emergencies simply takes a pair of hands and basic skills (2). Obviously, educational levels of involved personnel in the operation affect the quality and outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (3). Simulation technology is one of the suggested educational methods which can boost the learning process and provide a safe and controlled environment for practice. In this method, learners practice on a human simulator so eliminating any chances of jeopardizing real patients. This method provides more opportunities for observation and needed corrections, shedding students’ fear of operation and building up their self-confidence preparing them for real life situations (4). In this trial we intend to assess the effect of simulation-based education approach on ACLS skills among medical students.