Preparing future Indian medical graduates for emergencies at the Foundation Course: Do the knowledge and...

Medical professionals must be able to perform life-saving skills like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during emergency situations, even outside the hospital. The foundation course for the first-year medical students includes first aid and CPR training. This quasi-experimental study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of basic cardiac life support (BCLS) training based on Indian guidelines, on the self-confidence and knowledge regarding CPR of first-year medical students.

This study was conducted during the foundation course for first-year medical students. The training included a common lecture for all the students followed by a 4 day long practical training in groups of 45-46 students, each day. BCLS training was carried out in three skill stations - airway, chest compressions and full sequence CPR. Students' skills were recorded real time on a skill assessment manikin after completion of the hands-on training. The students were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding knowledge and self-confidence, before and after the training. The outcome measures were the difference in knowledge and self-confidence with regard to CPR before and after the training.

Out of the 199 students, 181 were included in the analysis. There was significant improvement in the knowledge score (pre-test - 1.46 versus post-test - 8.27, P < 0.001). The overall confidence regarding first aid skills, BCLS knowledge and self-confidence for performing BCLS improved significantly.

There is improvement in knowledge and self-confidence regarding CPR and the students develop an acceptable level of skills after the training.