[Knowledge of BLS and AED resuscitation algorithm amongst medical students--preliminary results]

Early recognition of cardiac arrest (CA) and immediate commencement of resuscitation, may increase the survival rate among CA victims. We therefore conducted a survey among medical students to assess their knowledge of BLS and AED.

The audit was performed among students, most of whom had completed at least one first aid course and those who had not done a first-aid course at all. The ERC-recommended questionnaire 2005 was used for the survey.

One hundred and sixty five students completed the survey. Most of them recognized the usefulness of basic resuscitation algorithms and the use of AEDs. 88% of students recognized the importance offirst aid courses, and 91.6% would undertake them again. Despite obvious enthusiasm and self-declared adequate knowledge, 45.7% of the audited students were not familiar with the guidelines and answered wrongly to more than 6 of 12 questions in the questionnaire. The vast majority of the first year medical students were not familiar with the algorithms.

We conclude that general knowledge of resuscitation algorithms among medical students is inadequate, and regular refresher courses are essential.