Retention of knowledge after basic training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a cumulative 3-year experience of certified ERC seminars of the Hellenic Society of Cardiology

Basic life support (BLS) seminars' knowledge declines over time. The Hellenic Cardiological Society (WG CPR), a principal BLS (European Resuscitation Council) organizer in Greece, interviewed 5.545 certified BLS providers of the previous 3 years' HCS seminars through an online survey tool questionnaire. We evaluated knowledge scoring and examined any possible association with other factors. Certified BLS providers were predominantly female (68.7%) with a university-level education (50.2%), and registered nurses (40.1%). A better score was associated with female gender, younger age, medical profession and university education. Among healthcare professionals medical doctors reached higher scores. Time elapsed since the last attended BLS course did not affect the remaining knowledge in any subgroup.