Awareness about BLS (CPR) among medical students: status and requirements.

OBJECTIVES To study the awareness on Basic Life Support (BLS) (CPR) in undergraduate medical students. METHODS A cross sectional studywas conducted by using responses to a questionnaire regarding BLS by 61 students. The results were analyzed with SPSS version 11.101. RESULTS Out of 61 students only 9 (14.7%) had taken a BLS (CPR) course while 52 (85.3%) students had not attended any such course. Significantly more number of students had the theoretical knowledge about BLS (76.07% vs 49.18%, p<0.00). Practical knowledge about BLS was scored as having no, some and complete knowledge of the course. Of all the students, 57.3% had no knowledge, among those 34% had heard BLS from somewhere, 22.9% had some knowledge out of which 50% had heard about it. Significantly less number of students had complete knowledge about BLS (4% p<0.05). Among the students who had taken the course, 22% had complete knowledge (p<0.05). Significantly less number of students knew about the skills for BLS (21% p<0.05). CONCLUSION Most of the medical students although had not attended the course, still they had some knowledge about BLS. Inclusion of this course in the undergraduate curriculum will increase awareness and application of this valuable life saving maneuver.