FINDING EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHING BASIC LIFE SUPPORT TO PARAMEDICS

Abstract

Objective: To determine the impact of single setting basic life support courses to paramedics by analyzing their responses.
Study Design: Cross sectional analytical study.
Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Gujranwala and PNS Rahat Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from Jan 2010 to Jan 2013.
Patients and Methods: This study consisted of printed questionnaire of 10 questions from cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) basics prepared according to latest guidelines of American Heart Association (AHA) given to paramedics of two hospitals participating in basic life support (BLS) course from Jan 2010 to Jan 2013. The courses were run by a single person while distributing questionnaire to all participants of both genders performing duties at different departments of the hospital on rotation. Groups of similar education level were selected for these courses. The assessment of all participants was done after each course completion as per the questionnaire and data was collected for statistical analysis.
Results: In a study of 300 individuals the consistent response of performing chest compression was seen in a large no of participants (97.3%) which was followed by checking responsiveness (75%), checking carotid pulse (66.6%), effective chest compressions (76.6%), mask ventilation first attempt was successful in (33.3%), and second attempt (96.6%). Only 45 (15%) out of 300 had seen all types of available defibrillators (monophasic, biphasic, automated external defibrillator), monophasic defibrillator was seen by majority (83.3%) followed by biphasic (23.3%). Automated external defibrillator (AED) was seen by few (16.6%) out of 300. Mouth to mask ventilations was difficult in first attempt for majority with small success rate (33.3%) and improved in second attempt (290%). Checking responsiveness (75%) and feeling carotid pulse was poor in first attempt (33.3%); however it improved following practice (83.3%). Defibrillator paddle placement was easily mastered after practice. The defibrillation skills and knowledge of abbreviations taken from CPR guidelines was easily remembered by many participants.
Conclusion: BLS is simple to teach but mastering skills is difficult for everyone. The outcomes of training sessions over the time can be improved with customized repeated courses to maximum individuals while stressing on practical application. Furthermore prevalent teaching methods of this skill in our hospitals need purposeful modification keeping in view the participant’s capacity.