Knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation protocols and level of anaesthetic training

Abstract

Inadequate recall of resuscitation protocols has contributed to poor performance of resuscitation in simulation studies. We asked, does the level of anaesthesia training affect knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation protocols? We used a questionnaire that covered the areas of basic life support, advanced adult life support and paediatric life support. The proportions of correct answers were hospital medical officers 50%, junior registrars 62%, senior registrars 84% and consultants 42%. The consultant group performed worse than all other groups for the basic life support and advanced life support questions. We suggest yearly resuscitation training for all anaesthetists and anaesthesia trainees.