Knowledge and Familiarity with Basic Life Support Among Medical Students

Accidents and cardiac arrests are the common emergencies with grave consequences and high mortality rate which can be prevented by simple maneuvers like basic life support (BLS). The objective of present study was to assess the knowledge of involved skills and familiarity with BLS among medical students. A questionnaire base study of 180 students was done regarding awareness and skills involved and opinion regarding its inclusion in the undergraduate curriculum. A total of 172 students finally participated in the study. 54% were females and the mean age was 22 yrs. A significant no of students were aware of general idea of BLS. 63.37% knows the requirements of BLS, 88.95% knows about the importance of BLS, but large numbers of students were not very conversant with the skills. They were of the opinion that the course be included in undergraduate medical curriculum. Lack of awareness regarding BLS among medical students is important issue that needs to be addressed promptly. These courses should be part of under graduate medical curriculum