Awareness of Basic Life Support (BLS) Among Medical, Dental, Nursing Students and Practicing Doctors in RKDF Medical College and Research Centre, Bhopal

Background: Basic Life Support (BLS) is a critical lifesaving skill that every healthcare professional must possess. Despite its importance, several studies suggest inadequate knowledge and awareness of BLS among healthcare students and professionals.

Aim: To assess and compare the level of awareness and knowledge regarding Basic Life Support among medical, dental, nursing students, and practicing doctors.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among medical students, dental students, nursing students, and doctors at a tertiary care teaching hospital. A pre-validated structured questionnaire consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions based on current BLS guidelines was used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and comparative analysis.

Results: A total of 400 participants were included. Overall adequate BLS knowledge was observed in 62% of doctors, 48% of medical students, 41% of nursing students, and 29% of dental students. Prior formal BLS training showed a statistically significant association with higher knowledge scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study highlights significant gaps in BLS awareness among healthcare students and professionals, particularly among dental and nursing students. Regular hands-on BLS training and mandatory certification programs should be incorporated into the curriculum to improve preparedness for medical emergencies.