Exploring global trends in basic life support (BLS) proficiency

Abstract

Basic Life Support (BLS) is integral to emergency medical procedures. Proficiency in BLS is essential for healthcare providers to respond to life-threatening situations effectively. This study aimed to explore the proficiency of BLS practice among medical students and practicing physicians. This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students and practicing physicians in multiple countries. The data were collected using a questionnaire based on knowledge, attitude, and practice of BLS and barriers to practicing BLS according to the European Resuscitation Council guidelines. In this study, 4478 medical students and physicians participated; most participants were female, 2712 (61%). The respondents were from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. Most respondents, 4102 (92%), know what BLS stands for. More than two-thirds of the participants, 3238 (72%), answered correctly about the compression ventilation ratio. 1666 (37%) participants have never been certified in BLS, and 1384 (31%) claimed they can perform BLS intervention in an emergency. 2844 (64%) strongly agree that access to regular BLS training sessions is a barrier to improving CPR and BLS outcomes. The study reveals adequate knowledge of BLS among medical students and postgraduates. However, BLS practice is poor. A significant number of participants do not acquire adequate practice of BLS. There is an urgent need to encourage medical students and physicians to undergo BLS training.