ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE OF BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) AMONG TRAFFIC CONSTABLES WORKING IN SOUTHERN CHENNAI - A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Background:Basic Life Support (BLS) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies like heart attacks, drowning and accidents. BLS is the initial step of prompt recognition and to provide emergency support of ventilation and circulatory in case of respiratory or cardiac arrest. The Traffic Police who would be discharging his duty nearby the accident can help much in saving the lives of victims of RTA with his knowledge of BLS. In India the basic techniques of BLS are not offered to Traffic Police. Hence training the Traffic Constables with BLS techniques will result in improvement in survival rates of victims of RTA. Objective:To assess the knowledge of Basic Life Support (BLS) among traffic constables working in Southern Chennai. Methods:An interventional study design was used. Traffic constables who are working in Greater Chennai were included in the study. A semi structured questionnaire will be used to assess the knowledge on BLS among traffic constables. Then post intervention will be given based on the knowledge they gained. Result:In our sample, most of the traffic policemen were in the age group of 31- 40 years (47.1%) and other 36.5 % of traffic policemen were in the age group of 41-50 years of age. Almost of the participants are married. Among the participants, more than 10 years of experienced people have the adequate knowledge. Remaining them need more information regarding Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Among the participant, 60% of the traffic policemen were have adequate knowledge. Conclusion:BLS is an integral part of training for first aid. The present study revealed the comprehension and familiarity of the traffic policemen with BLS and attitude towards BLS training.The results indicate that there is sufficient overall awareness of BLS training among traffic police officers and that significant improvements are needed to save lives.