basic life support training: demonstration versus structured demonstration in red crescent volunteers

Background: the red cross (hilal-e-ahmar) volunteers play a crucial role in responding to disasters, providing essential services, and supporting communities in need. one of the most important aspects of training for red cross volunteers is basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (cpr), which aims to produce sufficient and lasting knowledge and skills. objectives: this study aimed to compare the effects of basic life support (bls) training delivered through the demonstration method versus the structured demonstration method on the knowledge and skills of red crescent volunteers.methods: this randomized controlled trial involved 72 red crescent volunteers selected through convenience sampling. participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received training in the demonstration method, while the other group was trained in the structured demonstration method. a knowledge questionnaire was completed before the training and again one month after the training. skill assessment was conducted using a checklist one month post-training. the collected data were analyzed using spss version 22.results: in both groups, the mean knowledge scores showed a significant increase one month post-intervention for the structured demonstration method 10.74 (2.14) and for the demonstration method 8.92 (2.59), compared to pre-intervention scores of the structured demonstration method 13.83 (0.73) and the demonstration method 12.86 (1.64) (p<0.001). although the mean knowledge scores one month after training were not statistically different between the two groups, the skill scores were significantly higher in the structured demonstration group 14.38 (1.39) compared to the demonstration group 11.25 (2.34) (p<0.001).conclusion: both training methods effectively enhanced knowledge among participants; however, the structured demonstration training method resulted in higher skill scores compared to the demonstration method. therefore, it is recommended that the structured demonstration training method be implemented for educating laypersons and rescue volunteers as first responders in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest.