Medical students practicing CPR in a futuristic hospital.

CPR Training: Are Medical Students Prepared to Save Lives?

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals gaps in cardiopulmonary resuscitation training for future doctors. Learn how to improve preparedness and confidence in emergency situations."

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death globally, underscoring the importance of immediate and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR's role in sustaining life until advanced medical care arrives is undeniable. The effectiveness of CPR directly influences survival rates.

In many countries, including Turkey, physicians are legally obligated to administer CPR when needed. This legal responsibility highlights the necessity for thorough and practical CPR training during medical education. However, the question remains: are medical students adequately prepared to fulfill this critical role?

A recent study investigated the preparedness of last-year medical students regarding CPR. The research delved into their training experiences, confidence levels, and perceived competence in handling cardiac arrest scenarios. The findings reveal significant gaps and opportunities for improvement in CPR education.

Assessing CPR Training: What the Study Reveals

Medical students practicing CPR in a futuristic hospital.

The study, conducted among 255 final-year medical students, highlighted several key issues in CPR training. A significant 84% had received theoretical or hands-on practical training (HOPT). Despite this, a concerning number felt unprepared to handle real-life cardiac arrest situations. Only 62.2% of students with theoretical training and 45.6% with HOPT felt their training was sufficient.

When faced with actual CPR scenarios, the study participants reported varying levels of experience and confidence. Approximately 69.8% had encountered a patient requiring CPR in a hospital setting. However, 33.1% of these students admitted to feeling incompetent. Outside the hospital, only 10.6% had managed a cardiac arrest case, with an overwhelming 81.4% feeling unprepared.

Theoretical vs. Practical Training: Many students receive theoretical training but lack sufficient hands-on experience.
Confidence Levels: A large percentage of students feel incompetent in performing CPR, especially in out-of-hospital settings.
Experience Matters: Students who have encountered real CPR scenarios are more likely to feel confident, but the overall rate remains low.

Looking ahead, the study also gauged how students felt about handling cardiac arrest cases after graduation. Only 20.4% believed they would act competently, while a significant 62.7% anticipated feeling incompetent. This underscores a critical need for enhanced and repeated practical training to boost confidence and competence.

The Path Forward: Enhancing CPR Education

The study's findings prompted significant changes in the curriculum. Anesthesiology rotations now include mandatory CPR training for fourth-phase students, ensuring more comprehensive preparation. Repeated practical training is essential for increasing confidence and competence in performing CPR effectively. Continuous improvements in medical education are vital for equipping future physicians with the skills needed to save lives during cardiac arrest.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx186.184, Alternate LINK

Title: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training: Opinions And Experiences Of Last Year Medical Students

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: European Journal of Public Health

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Authors: P Guner, N Cilingiroglu, Np Erbaydar, A Basdas, B Sari, B Ozdemir, B Yildirim, Mv Sivr, T Horozoglu

Published: 2017-10-20

Everything You Need To Know

Why is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) so critical in emergency medical care?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is vital because sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death globally. CPR sustains life by maintaining circulation and breathing until advanced medical care becomes available. Its effectiveness significantly influences survival rates, making it an indispensable skill for medical professionals and others to save lives during cardiac emergencies. The legal obligation for physicians in many countries, like Turkey, to administer CPR underscores its critical role.

What were the main shortcomings identified in the CPR training of medical students?

The study revealed several gaps in the CPR training of medical students. While a high percentage (84%) received theoretical or hands-on practical training (HOPT), a significant number still felt unprepared for real-life cardiac arrest situations. Specifically, only 62.2% of students with theoretical training and 45.6% with HOPT felt their training was sufficient. Many lacked confidence, especially in out-of-hospital settings. This highlights the need for more comprehensive and practical training.

How did confidence levels vary among medical students based on their experience with actual CPR scenarios?

Medical students who encountered real cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) scenarios generally exhibited higher confidence levels. About 69.8% had seen a patient requiring CPR in a hospital, but 33.1% still felt incompetent. Outside the hospital, only 10.6% had managed a cardiac arrest case, with a large majority (81.4%) feeling unprepared. This suggests that real-world experience does boost confidence, but the overall lack of preparedness, particularly in out-of-hospital settings, remains a significant concern that needs to be addressed through better practical training and exposure.

What changes have been implemented to enhance cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education following the study's findings?

Following the study, significant changes were made to the curriculum. Anesthesiology rotations now include mandatory CPR training for fourth-phase students, ensuring more comprehensive preparation. Repeated practical training is emphasized to increase competence and confidence in performing CPR effectively. These continuous improvements in medical education aim to equip future physicians with the necessary skills to save lives during cardiac arrest, addressing the previously identified gaps in preparedness.

What are the implications of medical students feeling incompetent in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially outside of hospital settings?

The feeling of incompetence among medical students in performing CPR, particularly outside hospital environments, has significant implications for patient outcomes and public health. Since sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can occur anywhere, the lack of confidence and preparedness among future physicians can delay effective intervention, reducing the chances of survival. The study highlighted that even those who had received hands-on practical training (HOPT) often felt insufficient. Increasing training and confidence of medical students could improve survival rates and reduce the burden of SCA in communities.