Vol. 9, Issue 11, Part B (2023)

This school based interventional study was intended to assess the effectiveness of hands-on training programme on knowledge and skills regarding basic life support among higher secondary school students in a selected schools at Kollam district.

Methodology: Research Design adopted for the study was True experimental – Randomized one group pretest posttest control group design and Sampling technique was multistage cluster sampling with Randomization. Based on inclusion criteria a total of 40 (20 in experimental group and 20 in control group) higher secondary School students studying 12th standards were selected as samples. In phase one the students were assessed for pretest knowledge using self-administered questionnaire and skills assessed using BLS checklist based on American heart association (AHA). Phase two educational intervention regarding BLS and hands on training using Resusci-Anne manikin. In phase three post intervention evaluation was done on 15th and 30th day of training programme using the same pretest tools.

Results: Paired t-test was performed to compare the pre and post test scores of knowledge and skills of students about BLS both in experimental and control group. There was significant change in knowledge from pretest score mean=3.85, SD= 0.812 to post test score mean = 8.55 SD =1.276 and (p<0.001). Significant change was noticed regarding the skills on BLS as evident from increase in pretest score (mean = 2.20, SD = 0.833) to post test score mean=8.45, SD= 1.050 and (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Result of the study revealed that hands on training on BLS among higher secondary students was effective in improving their knowledge and skills. Adding BLS training in the school curriculum can be a fruitful investment in ensuring proper and timely management of cardiac arrest not only for school children but also for the community at large.