Anaesthetists’ knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Background : Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an integral part of an anaesthetist’s knowledge and practice. In Nigeria, these skills are taught mainly during medical school and postgraduate training. Objectives : The study sought to assess the knowledge of anaesthetists about CPR. Methodology : A structured questionnaire containing close and open-ended questions was administered to trainee-anaesthetists and consultant anaesthetists at an update course. Results : A total of thirty-nine questionnaires were returned fully completed with a response rate of 65%. There were 27 males and 12 females with  age range of 25-48years, and mean age of 36.5years. The post-basic  qualification experience ranged 4-22years. Fifty-nine percent of the  respondents had attended an update course on CPR consisting of lectures only. Certified CPR Providers were 17.6%. Fifty-four percent of the  anaesthetists said the CPR guidelines were last revised in 2010 while 31% responded correctly about the ratio of chest compression to expired air ventilation during basic life support when it is one rescuer. Fifty-nine  percent of the respondents knew that laryngeal mask airways are useful in modern CPR. Conclusion : Few anaesthetists have attended organized training  programmes and practice sessions using simulators and this may have resulted in deficient knowledge and skills. Few anaesthetists in this study were Certified CPR Providers. There is a need for continuing training and certification in basic and advanced resuscitation for all anaesthetists  according to the current CPR guidelines. Keywords : Airway devices, endotracheal intubation, laryngeal mask airway, manikins, teaching