Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Training Regarding Compression-Only Life Support on Knowledge and Practice Among Engineering Students

Abstract

Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) is a major public health concern and a leading cause of death globally, where immediate bystander intervention through Compression-Only Life Support (COLS) can significantly improve survival outcomes, yet awareness and practical skills among the general public, particularly students, remain limited due to a lack of formal training. This study aimed to assess the pre-intervention knowledge and practice of engineering students regarding COLS, evaluate the effectiveness of simulation-based training on knowledge and practice scores, and identify the association between post-test scores and selected demographic variables. A quantitative research approach with a one-group pre-test post-test design was adopted, using a sample of 30 engineering students from a selected college in Palakkad, chosen via convenience sampling. Data were collected with a structured knowledge questionnaire and a practice checklist, and the intervention involved simulation-based training using manikins, including demonstrations and hands-on practice. Results showed a significant increase in both knowledge and practice levels: in the pre-test, 83.3% of students had average knowledge and 86.7% had poor practice scores, whereas after the simulation training, 63% achieved "Good" knowledge and 66.6% achieved "Good" practice levels. The effectiveness was statistically validated using a paired t-test, which showed significant improvement in knowledge (t = 13.69, p < 0.05) and practice (t = 21.47, p < 0.05), with no significant association found between post-test scores and demographic variables. The study concludes that simulation-based training is an effective educational strategy for improving COLS competency, and implementing such training programs in non-medical educational sectors is essential to enhance community-based emergency response.