Exploring global trends in basic life support (BLS) proficiency: A comprehensive multi-national cross-sectional investigation among medical students and practicing physicians.

Basic Life Support (BLS) is integral to emergency medical procedures. Proficiency in BLS is essential for healthcare providers to respond to life-threatening situations effectively. This study aimed to explore the proficiency of BLS practice among medical students and practicing physicians. This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students and practicing physicians in multiple countries. The data were collected using a questionnaire based on knowledge, attitude, and practice of BLS and barriers to practicing BLS according to the European Resuscitation Council guidelines. In this study, 4478 medical students and physicians participated; most participants were female, 2712 (61%). The respondents were from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. Most respondents, 4102 (92%), know what BLS stands for. More than two-thirds of the participants, 3238 (72%), answered correctly about the compression ventilation ratio. 1666 (37%) participants have never been certified in BLS, and 1384 (31%) claimed they can perform BLS intervention in an emergency. 2844 (64%) strongly agree that access to regular BLS training sessions is a barrier to improving CPR and BLS outcomes. The study reveals adequate knowledge of BLS among medical students and postgraduates. However, BLS practice is poor. A significant number of participants do not acquire adequate practice of BLS. There is an urgent need to encourage medical students and physicians to undergo BLS training.