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Abstract

Objective: The study assesses the retention of knowledge and skills of basic lifesupport training, among health care providers (HCP) who attended the Basic LifeSupport (BLS) course.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at tertiary care CardiacHospital, Karachi. The sample was taken from among the BLS trained staff of thehospital. Data was collected using the accredited American Heart Association'sCritical Skill Checklist for skills, and a self prepared questionnaire including thedemographic information of the medical/paramedical staff, and the personalexperience/attitude and knowledge of BLS based on 2010 AHA guidelines.Results: After excluding incomplete questionnaire, the data from 106 responderscalculated. There people analyzed were, 4 clinical faculty members (3.8%). Postgraduate students were 36(34.3%). House officers were 6 in numbers (5.7%).Nurses were 46(43.8%). Other health assistants were 13(12.4%). Resultsindicate that the retention of knowledge and skills were adequate in mostparameters, but it was found that retention of knowledge and skill was better indoctors as compared to paramedical staff. Depending upon the place of work,those working in Emergency Room or were frequently were required to do CPR inCCU or wards were better off with the skills and knowledge of BLS.Conclusion: The average health personnel in our hospital found to have adequateskills in CPR/BLS. But to remain knowledgeable and be ready for prompt action attime of sudden cardiac arrest, their reflexes should be more alert. This can beachieved by more frequent update courses.