Twelve-month retention of technical skills in basic life support following simulation- based training among paramedical staff

Abstract

Introduction: Simulation-based training is recognized as an effective educational strategy for acquiring clinical competencies, particularly among paramedical personnel. However, long-term retention of these skills remains insufficiently studied.
The aim was to assess the 12-month retention of technical skills in basic life support (BLS) following initial simulation-based training among paramedical staff.
Methods: We conducted a 12-month, single-center prospective study including 17 paramedicals working in an emergency department. Participants underwent a theoretical pre-test and an initial practical assessment of BLS skills (chest compressions and bag-valve-mask ventilation), followed by procedural simulation training. Knowledge and technical skills were evaluated immediately post-training (T1) and at 12 months (T2), using a standardized checklist scored out of 15.
Results: inclusion of 36 participants, 17 achieved all steps. Mean theoretical scores improved from 7.24±2.15 at baseline to 11.75±5.55 immediately after training (p=0.013), reaching 12.28±3.77 at 12 months. Practical skill scores significantly increased from 4.17±1.34 at baseline to 12.52±1.34 at T1 (p<0.001), with a mean score of 11.14±1.95 at T2, indicating substantial skill retention.
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate sustained retention of both theoretical knowledge and technical skills in BLS at 12 months following simulation-based training among paramedical personnel. These results support the long-term educational value of simulation in enhancing emergency response capabilities within this population. However, a slight decline in performance at 12 months highlights the need for refresher training sessions.