Code Ready? Evaluating Basic Life Support Awareness in Nursing Students: Code Ready? Evaluating Basic Life Support Awareness

Lal Khan Keerio; Khalida Naz Memon; Fatima Soomro; Chhagan Lal; Roshan Ali; Janual Khatoon; Rubina Dean; Nazish Nawaz Ali

doi:10.54393/pbmj.v8i7.1277

Authors

Lal Khan Keerio Department of Nursing, Community Midwifery School, Hala, Pakistan
Khalida Naz Memon Department of Community Health Sciences, Indus Medical College, The University of Modern Sciences, Tando Muhammad Khan, Pakistan
Fatima Soomro Department of Nursing, Peoples Nursing School, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Chhagan Lal Department of Nursing, Community Midwifery School, Umerkot, Pakistan
Roshan Ali Department of Nursing, Badin Institute of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Badin, Pakistan
Janual Khatoon Department of Nursing, Liaquat College of Nursing (Female), Jamshoro, Pakistan
Rubina Dean Department of Nursing, Peoples Nursing School, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Nazish Nawaz Ali Department of Nursing, Peoples Nursing School, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v8i7.1277

Keywords:

Basic Life Support, Code, Nursing, Awareness, Skills, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Abstract

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a critical skill for nurses, yet gaps remain in both awareness and technical proficiency among nursing students in low and middle-income countries. In Pakistan, limited simulation-based training may impact confidence and competence in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Objectives: To assess BLS awareness, self-perceived competence, and associated demographic factors among post-RN BScN students in Sindh, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2022 across five nursing institutes, a structured questionnaire collected data on BLS awareness, CPR technique knowledge, attitudes, and self-perceived competence. A total of 378 students were recruited via convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between demographic variables and perceived BLS competence. Results: Most participants (86.2%) had heard of BLS and supported its inclusion in curricula (81%). However, correct responses on technical CPR skills such as the CAB sequence (51.9%), compression depth (56.3%), and 30:2 ratio (43.9%) were suboptimal. Statistically significant associations were found between self-perceived competence and gender, age, clinical experience, and academic year (p<0.05), with males and experienced students rating themselves more highly. Conclusions: The study found high BLS awareness but gaps in technical skills. Integrating simulation-based training, refresher sessions, and addressing gender confidence gaps is essential to improve patient care.

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