Knowledge and Understanding: At the end of the course, the student must have acquired basic knowledge of BLSD and PBLS. They should be able to understand and discuss the importance and steps of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation. The student should also be able to clearly explain appropriate approaches for managing choking in both pediatric and adult populations. Applying Knowledge and Understanding:By the end of the course, the student should be able to apply the acquired knowledge to recognize the signs of respiratory and cardiorespiratory arrest, perform high-quality CPR in both pediatric and adult patients, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) correctly. The student should also be able to appropriately apply techniques for managing choking in both pediatric and adult populations. Making Judgements: The student should be able to critically evaluate the knowledge acquired, recognize their own limitations, and understand the need for ongoing learning. Furthermore, the student must be able to choose the appropriate strategy for managing emergencies such as choking, cardiac arrest, or respiratory arrest. Communication Skills: The student should be able to communicate effectively and participate actively in the CPR team, either as a team leader or as a team member. Additionally, the student must be able to contribute meaningfully during debriefings following cardiac arrest management. Learning Skills: The student must demonstrate autonomy and competence in applying the knowledge and skills acquired in BLSD and PBLS.

General knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy and pathophysiology. It is mandatory to have studied and learned the content of the American Heart Association BLS Manual for Healthcare Professionals (which is provided 30 days before the start of the course).

1. Resuscitation Education Science;
2. The Adult Chain of Survival;
3. Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA);
4. In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA);
5. Recognition of a respiratory or cardiorespiratory arrest;
6. Adults’ cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);
7. Defibrillation in adults and children 8 years of age or older;
8. Cardiac arrest in pregnancy;
9. Opioid overdose;
10. Team dynamics;
11. Paediatric Basic Life Support (PBLS) and defibrillation;
12. Choking in adults, children and infants.

Recommended texts: BLS Manual for Healthcare Providers by the American Heart Association. At present, no differentiated teaching materials are provided for different groups of students.

1. Resuscitation Education Science (effective education as an essential contributor to improved survival outcomes; the importance of resuscitation training for skill acquisition and improvement; use of CPR feedback devices during resuscitation; teamwork and leadership training; high-fidelity manikins; in situ training; and the importance of bystander CPR). 2. The Adult Chain of Survival (steps of the chain of survival; differences between out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) chains of survival). 3. Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) (importance of community engagement and response; recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system by calling the local emergency number; early CPR performed by trained rescuers and untrained lay bystanders; use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)). 4. In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (IHCA) (surveillance and prevention as critical aspects of IHCA; multidisciplinary teams of medical professionals who respond, provide CPR, perform prompt defibrillation, initiate ALS measures, and continue post-return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) care). 5. Recognition of Respiratory or Cardiorespiratory Arrest (assessment of patient consciousness/responsiveness; identification of normal or abnormal breathing; and presence or absence of a pulse). 6. Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (airway management, ventilation, high-quality compressions, one- and two-rescuer algorithms). 7. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for Adults and Children Aged 8 or Older (correct activation and sequence of use; correct pad placement; special considerations). 8. Cardiac Arrest in Pregnancy (factors contributing to maternal arrest; basic life support (BLS) in pregnancy; estimation of gestational age; obstetric early warning systems). 9. Opioid Overdose (recognition and management of patients in respiratory or cardiorespiratory arrest due to opioid overdose; administration of naloxone). 10. Team Dynamics (importance of non-technical skills; roles and responsibilities; effective communication; debriefing). 11. Pediatric Basic Life Support (PBLS) and Defibrillation (infant and child algorithms; differences in PBLS with one or two rescuers; use of AEDs for infants and children under 8 years of age, including pad selection, placement, and energy settings). 12. Choking in Adults, Children, and Infants (signs of choking; appropriate management; Heimlich maneuver).

The teaching methods consist of frontal lessons with presentation of video with real world scenarios and hands-on skills session training using high fidelity manikins and automated external defibrillator (AED). The teacher encourages the students to ask questions on the topics covered before, after but also during the lessons/practical activity.

Learning will be assessed through a written exam consisting of multiple-choice questions. There will be a total of 30 questions, each with four possible answers, only one of which is correct. The exam is passed only if at least 84% of the answers are correct. After successfully passing the written exam, a practical exam will be conducted on BLSD and PBLS skills using feedback devices. The exam is passed only if the CPR performance percentage is at least 85%. The course outcome is expressed as a pass/fail result (passed /not passed).

This teaching explores topics closely related to one or more of the goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.