title: [Knowledge of BLS and AED resuscitation algorithm amongst medical students--preliminary results].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Early recognition of cardiac arrest (CA) and immediate commencement of resuscitation, may increase the survival rate among CA victims. We therefore conducted a survey among medical students to assess their knowledge of BLS and AED.
  
  
  METHODS
  The audit was performed among students, most of whom had completed at least one first aid course and those who had not done a first-aid course at all. The ERC-recommended questionnaire 2005 was used for the survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and sixty five students completed the survey. Most of them recognized the usefulness of basic resuscitation algorithms and the use of AEDs. 88% of students recognized the importance offirst aid courses, and 91.6% would undertake them again. Despite obvious enthusiasm and self-declared adequate knowledge, 45.7% of the audited students were not familiar with the guidelines and answered wrongly to more than 6 of 12 questions in the questionnaire. The vast majority of the first year medical students were not familiar with the algorithms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that general knowledge of resuscitation algorithms among medical students is inadequate, and regular refresher courses are essential.
authors.affiliation: Studenckie Koło Naukowe przy Klinice Anestezjologii i Intensywnej Terapii, Collegium Medicum UJ w Krakowie.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chojnacki
authors.forename: Rada
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ilieva
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kołodziej
authors.forename: Agata
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Królikowska
authors.forename: Jarosław
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lipka
authors.forename: Jaromir
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ruta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; D002983:Clinical Competence; D047548:Defibrillators; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011044:Poland; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires