Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in a family medicine residency

A model for teaching family medicine residents basic and advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation is described. The curriculum includes two phases: (1) 13 hours of instruction to first year residents during the first two months of the residency; and (2) continuing education and practice for second and third year residents. The residents maintain certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support through the American Heart Association. Teaching methods combine practical skills development, simulated patient care, and didactic sessions in a curriculum that is feasible in terms of resident's time, faculty input, and cost. The residents strongly endorse the training, and objective improvement in their performance is documented by examinations given before and after the course.