Abstract
Background: Cardiac arrests are life-threatening emergencies where basic life support (BLS) skills involving fast recognition and a skilled response can prevent fatal outcomes. BLS skills are hence very essential for the fire and rescue services (FRS) personnel, who are often called to deal with such emergencies. BLS provides necessary skills to the first responder to treat victims of cardiac arrests, until they can be given full medical care at a hospital simulation-based training for BLS involves “hands-on training” on QCPR manikins. We conducted this study to first know about the existing knowledge and skills of BLS among FRS personnel and then evaluated the effect of simulation-based BLS training in improving knowledge and skills among these personnel by conducting written and practical tests.

Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and skills of FRS personnel in providing BLS, before and after undergoing the simulation-based BLS training.

Materials and Methods: A total of 91 FRS male personnel, belonging to cadres of new trainees and officers and of age groups <26 years, 26–32, and >32 years, were included as participants in this experimental study. Each participant underwent a simulation-based “hands-on” BLS training using adult, child and infant QCPR mannikins equipped with feedback devices, Ambu bags, and automated external defibrillator trainers. They were taught the sequence of the steps of BLS on the designated manikins using simulation-based teaching methodology. A self-administered, pre-tested questionnaire was used to evaluate with a pre-test and post-test along with a practical skill assessment. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0 – unpaired and paired t-test. Institutional ethics committee clearance was obtained for the study.

Results: Of the total number of 91 participants, 47.3% (43) were less than 26 years of age and 45.1% (41) were between 26 and 32 years of age and 7.7% (7) were more than 32 years of age. About 92.3% (84) of the participants were new trainees and 7.7% (7) were in the officer cadre. Paired t-test has been used for the analysis and since P < 0.001 is <0.05, there is statistically significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores in all participants. However, there is no significant difference in pre- test/post-test scores between new trainee and officer cadre (P = 4.471 and 1.603, respectively). There was no significant difference in pre- and post-test scores with respect to the different age groups of participants.

Conclusion: Simulation-based training has an impact on the knowledge and skills of FRS personnel in BLS.

Key words: Basic Life Support; Simulation; Fire; Rescue