Basic and advanced life support training of professionals of the Canoa Health Center, Ecuador

Background: the correct application of life support for cardiorespiratory arrest (CPR) creates a short gap between the life or death of a person, hence the importance of having the necessary preparation to perform it. Objective: to explore the training and criteria of professionals about the management of basic and advanced life support in the event of cardiorespiratory arrest, at the Canoa Health Center, Ecuador, between July 2022 and February 2023. Methods: a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in the health center and during the time period declared. The study population consisted of 15 professionals, and included medical, nursing, obstetric and dental personnel. The information was collected through an anonymous questionnaire. The results were analyzed according to descriptive statistics. Results: almost half of the professionals were doctors (46.7 %), followed by nursing graduates (33.3 %). 66.66 % have taken basic or advanced life support courses, 86.7 % have witnessed CPR, but only 40 % have participated in resuscitation. All respondents replied that they do not have the necessary equipment to act in case of a CPR. For the most part, 66.66 % reflected a high degree of knowledge compared to knowing how to act in CPR cases, declaring confidence in acting. Conclusions: the human talent of the operating unit meets high levels of knowledge regarding basic and advanced life support.