Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and India is no exception to this health challenge. In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in the incidence of cardiovascular emergencies, including heart attacks and cardiac arrests. Immediate and effective intervention in these critical situations can be a matter of life or death. Basic Cardiovascular Life Support (BCLS) is a set of essential life-saving skills that healthcare professionals, including medical officers, should possess to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies [1-3].

Himachal Pradesh, a state of breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty, is not immune to the burden of cardiovascular diseases. District Shimla, nestled in the Himalayan region, represents both the natural allure and the healthcare challenges faced by this region. Access to advanced medical facilities can be limited in certain areas, making it crucial for medical officers working in Shimla to be proficient in BCLS. Timely and appropriate BCLS interventions can bridge the gap between a cardiac emergency and successful recovery, especially in areas where specialized medical care might be distant.

The knowledge and skills of medical officers in District Shimla regarding BCLS are of paramount importance. Their ability to administer prompt and effective BCLS interventions can significantly impact patient outcomes. Furthermore, healthcare providers' proficiency in BCLS aligns with international guidelines and recommendations for improving survival rates in cardiac emergencies [4-6].

This study aims to assess the knowledge of BCLS among medical officers working in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. By comprehensively examining their understanding and skills related to BCLS, we intend to identify areas where training and awareness can be enhanced. The findings of this study can serve as a valuable resource for healthcare authorities and institutions to tailor training programs and interventions that equip medical officers with the essential skills needed to respond effectively to cardiovascular emergencies. Ultimately, this will contribute to the overall well-being and survival of individuals in District Shimla facing cardiac crises.

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate the Knowledge of Basic Cardiovascular Life Support (BCLS) among medical officers working in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Cross-sectional survey design

• Study area:   District Shimla,  Himachal Pradesh

• Study duration: Between April 2023 to  July 2023

• Study population: All medical officers working in District Shimla ,Himachal Pradesh for 12 months or more

• Sample Size: 100 medical officers assuming 50%  have adequate knowledge regarding Basic Cardiovascular Life Support, 10% absolute error, 95% confidence level, and 5% non response rate

• Sampling Technique: convenience and snowball Sampling technique

• Study Tool: A google form questionnaire consisting of questions regarding socio-demography and Basic Cardiovascular Life Support was created. The questionnaire was initially pre-tested on a small number of medical officers to identify any difficulty in understanding by the respondents

Description of Tool

• Demographic Data Survey Instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, gender etc

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured questions regarding knowledge about Basic Cardiovascular Life Support having multiple options. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as >80%(16-20) = very good,60-79%(12-15) = Good,41-59% ( 8-11) = Fair,<40% (< 8) = poor

• Validity of Tool: By the experts in this field

• Inclusive Criteria: Who were willing to participate in the study

• Exclusion Criteria: Who were not willing to participate in the study

• Data Collection: Data was collected under the guidance of supervisors. The google form questionnaire was circulated via online modes like e-mail and social media platforms like Whatsapp groups, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin among medical officers working in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh till the 100 responses were collected.  Responses were then recorded in a Google Excel spreadsheet

• Data Analysis: Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage.

• Ethical Considerations: Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained

The present study was cross sectional descriptive study carried out to evaluate knowledge of Basic Cardiovascular Life Support (BCLS) among 100 medical officers working in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh (Table 1).

Table 1: Responses to the Questions Regarding Basic Cardiovascular Life Support (BCLS)

In the present study, 28 study participants had very good knowledge (9-10 marks) regarding Basic Cardiovascular Life Support, 37 had good knowledge  (7-8 marks), 22 had fair knowledge  (4-6 marks) and  13 had poor knowledge  (<4 marks) regarding Basic Cardiovascular Life Support (Table 2).

Table 2: Knowledge Regarding Basic Cardiovascular Life Support (BCLS) Among Study Participants

The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of Basic Cardiovascular Life Support (BCLS) among medical officers working in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The findings provide valuable insights into the readiness of these healthcare professionals to respond effectively to cardiovascular emergencies.

The results reveal a range of knowledge levels among medical officers regarding BCLS. Understanding of BCLS Terminology and Objective: A substantial majority (82) correctly identified what BCLS stands for and its primary objective. This finding demonstrates a strong foundational knowledge of the term and its purpose. Approximately 59 of participants could explain the Chain of Survival in BCLS and its importance. This suggests that while many have a basic understanding, there is room for improvement in comprehending the critical components of the Chain of Survival. A notable 69 recognized the key signs of cardiac arrest in adults. This awareness is vital for prompt identification and intervention during a cardiac emergency [1-4].

A significant majority (72) demonstrated knowledge of how to assess the responsiveness of an unresponsive person, an essential step in initiating BCLS. About 52 correctly described the technique for opening an airway in a non-breathing person. This skill is fundamental in maintaining adequate oxygenation during resuscitation. Knowledge about the recommended compression rate (67) and depth (64) for high-quality CPR in adults was moderate, indicating room for improvement in adhering to international guidelines. The understanding of when and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) was relatively low. AEDs are valuable tools in resuscitation efforts, and training in their usage is crucial. Around 47 recognized the differences in BCLS between adults, children, and infants. This knowledge is essential for tailoring interventions to the specific needs of different age groups [4-6].

These findings align with studies conducted in various regions, indicating a global trend in BCLS knowledge among healthcare professionals. While medical officers in District Shimla exhibited a good understanding of certain BCLS components, there is a need for targeted training and reinforcement in areas where knowledge was moderate or low.

Practical Implications

The study underscores the importance of ongoing BCLS training and certification for medical officers. Regular training programs can help improve knowledge and skills, ensuring that medical officers are well-prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies effectively.

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the knowledge of BCLS among medical officers in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. While some areas of BCLS knowledge were strong, there is a need for focused training and awareness programs to enhance proficiency, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes in cardiovascular emergencies.

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3. Panchal, A.R. et al. “2019 American Heart Association Focused Update on Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support: Use of Advanced Airways, Vasopressors, and Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation during Cardiac Arrest.” Circulation, vol. 142, no. 16 suppl 2, 2019, pp. S881–S934.

4. Atkins, D.L. et al. “Pediatric Basic Life Support and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Quality: 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.” Circulation, vol. 137, no. 38 suppl 2, 2017, pp. S530–S553.

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6. Mahdizadeh, A. et al. “Effectiveness of Basic Life Support Training for Medical Students in the Deceased Patient Unit.” Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR, vol. 12, no. 10, 2018, p. JC01.