AWARENESS AND ATTITUDES OF PHYSICAL THERAPISTS TOWARD CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION IN HYDERABAD, PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Abstract

Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical emergency skill that helps preserve circulation and oxygenation during cardiac arrest until advanced care is available. Physical therapists frequently work in hospital, community, and sports settings where CPR may be required, yet their knowledge and confidence levels are inconsistent.

Objective: To assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of physiotherapists in Hyderabad, Pakistan, regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to December 2023 among 161 physiotherapists using a validated 31-item questionnaire covering demographics, CPR knowledge, and attitudes. Convenience sampling was applied. Data were analyzed in SPSS v22 using descriptive statistics.

Results: Of 161 participants, 58 (36.0%) were male and 103 (64.0%) female. Most were aged 20–29 years (75.8%), and 70.8% had 0–5 years of experience. Sixty-seven (41.6%) held a current CPR certificate, while 82 (50.9%) reported having performed CPR during an emergency. Overall, approximately half of respondents (≈50.5%) demonstrated adequate knowledge of CPR guidelines. Correct responses were highest for compression depth (>5 cm, 91.3%) and compression-to-ventilation ratio (30:2, 85.7%), but lower for topics such as AED use in children (60.2%). Many participants expressed reluctance to perform mouth-to-mouth ventilation without protection and reported low confidence in public or workplace emergencies.

Conclusion: While about half of physiotherapists displayed satisfactory knowledge of CPR, certification status and confidence were suboptimal. Regular refresher courses, mandatory certification, and hands-on training are strongly recommended to improve preparedness