Evaluation of updated level of knowledge and training effectiveness of basic life support in dentists and pharmacists

Introduction: Basic life support (BLS) is artificial respiration and cardiac massage implementations designed to save the life of a respiratory and/or heart-stopping person wherever there is no medical drug or device. The only way to save these cases is to start BLS by the nearest people. However, as in many countries, there are serious deficiencies in the level of BLS knowledge in our country. In our study, we aimed to determine the updated level of BLS knowledge of dentists and pharmacists and to evaluate the effectiveness of this training after given BLS training. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 participants consisting of dentists and pharmacists were pre-tested 21 questions based on AHA and ERC 2015 guidelines. After the test, a 2-hour BLS training was given by an emergency medical specialist for one hour theoretical and one hour practical. In this training, BLS, automatic external defibrillator, basic first aid informations, and basic medical informations were told. After the training, the participants were post-tested the same 21 questions in 30 minutes. Results: When the pretest and posttest results of the dentists were evaluated in the double sample t test, statistically significant positive changes were seen in 3. (p:0,02), 4. (p:0,029), 6. (p<0,001), 7. (p:0,013), 8. (p: 0,017), 9. (p<0,001), 11. (p: 0,023), 12. (p: 0,016), 17. (p: 0,027), 20. (p: 0,032), and 21. (p:<0,001) questions. In pharmacists, statistically significant positive changes were seen in 2. (p: 0,008), 3. (p:0,011), 4. (p:0,004), 5. (p:<0,001), 6. (p: 0,003), 7. (p: 0,042), 12. (p<0,001), 13. (p:0,027), 15. (p: 0,031), 16. (p:0,011), 17. (p:0,007), 19. (p:0,023), 20. (p: 0,017), and 21. (p<0,001) questions. The change in the other questions was not statistically significant. Conclusion: As a result of the study, we have seen that the updated level of knowledge of BLS is not sufficient for health professionals such as dentists and pharmacists, and but a positive change in these levels considerably after given theoretical and practical training. In conclusion, it is considered that regular BLS training to people who are working in the community, especially health professionals, will benefit from the point of mortality and morbidity by keeping the level of BLS knowledge at a certain level.