Basic life support education for first year health students at UNISUL

Background

In Brazilian medical schools a basic life support (BLS) education curriculum is a rarely found through the graduate period. When it exists, length of training is very short and limited to theoretical contents. Besides, for the first 2 or 3 years medical education is exclusively directed to basic science.

Objective

To implement a BLS educational program for dentistry and medical school, based on theoretical/practical approach following the American Heart Association standards for BLS training.

Design

A 60-h course was designed encompassing BLS and basic care of trauma patients. The contents are divided in theory and practice in a balanced basis. BLS contents are developed in 12 h including adult, children and babies. Appropriated manikins are used for each scenario.

Setting

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation laboratory at Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina.

Subjects

Medical and dentistry first-year students.

Experience

For the last 2 years we have developed this program with a very intense participation of most students. Dentistry alumni have also demonstrated interest and an excellent performance.

Main results

We found a great deal of enthusiasm among most of our students and many of then have been working as volunteer educators of BLS for high school students in another program linked to this experience. Through this time we have concluded that this idea is feasible and stimulating as it brings the students to a useful content for them and the community where they live.

Conclusion

A BLS education program for dentistry and medical school first-year students is viable and should be put into practice in other universities and in many other countries.