Basic Life Support: Need of the Hour—A Study on the Knowledge of Basic Life Support among Young Doctors in India

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge about basic life support (BLS) is mandatory for healthcare professionals. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge among medical students who have completed their MBBS course and have enrolled for internship. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire pertaining to BLS before and after the BLS workshop (pretest and posttest 1) was distributed among the 50 participants consented for the study. The questionnaire was again given to the same participants at the end of their 1 year of internship (posttest 2) and were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the participants, 96% of students had attended nonstructured BLS classes in the past but the knowledge and skill in BLS and ability to recognize arrest were very low. Knowledge about the essential components of effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was poor among students, which improved to near 100% in posttest 1. Awareness about cervical spine stabilization, log rolling, and management of choking was poor among the students, which improved after the class. Although attrition had occurred, the knowledge in posttest 2 was significantly better than pretest (p value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The BLS knowledge among young doctors in India is very low as evidenced by poor performance in the pretest. Regular BLS courses are necessary to improve the knowledge among them and to prepare them to respond to a medical emergency. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Knowledge and skills pertaining to BLS are not usually taught in medical schools in India. This study indicates the lack of knowledge among medical students about BLS and the need for improvement and regular update. This study can serve as a guide for policymakers to consider inculcating BLS knowledge into the medical school curriculum in the near future. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Vineeth Chandran K, Abraham SV. Basic Life Support: Need of the Hour—A Study on the Knowledge of Basic Life Support among Young Doctors in India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(5):332–335.