DESCRIPTIVE CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE AVAILABILITY OF AWARENESS 0F BASIC LIFE SUPPORT AMONG PEOPLE LIVING IN SHADMAN AREA LAHORE

INTRODUCTION: Basic life support is level of medical care which could be provided pre clinically in any trauma condition before any specialized medical treatment could be provided. Studies have shown that survival in trauma increases markedly if person is provided pre hospital support with less the time elapsed between trauma and medical facility. This is more important in developing countries like Pakistan where general public awareness about BLS can provide good hand to compensate limited health budget and poly-trauma incidents. So rely upon general public provides a good hand in improving post trauma survival and thus strengthens health care steps. Objectives: To evaluate the availability of awareness about BLS and about acknowledgement of its importance. Study Setting And Design: Descriptive cross sectional study held in Shadman area Lahore. Materials &Method: 50 male subjects with age>15 years included in study & results analysed using SPSS. Results: Of 50 subjects, age of most (74%) was in range of 16-25 years and 80% knew about emergency phone number, 96% believe that in cases of emergency surrounding people should be called to attention toward the victim. 68% tried to help at least once in past but only 22% know about proper BLS procedures, people are highly willing (100%) to learn about BLS and think that it can improve survival and most preferable method they think is electronic media. In addition, significant correlation was found between awareness about BLS and will to go for help and that age and education has no significant effect on BLS awareness. Conclusion: People acknowledge the importance of basic life support but awareness of people about basic life support is very poor, people are eager to learn about it and programs should be designed according to people convenience Keywords: Basic life support, awareness, Shadman