A national survey of the Polish population's cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge.

The teaching of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has had a positive public health impact beyond resuscitating cardiac arrest victims to include recognition of signs and symptoms and prevention of heart attacks. To study the general knowledge and degree of preparedness in the Republic of Poland, a national survey was conducted. The survey was designed to assess general knowledge and concern regarding CPR training in the Polish population. Complete demographic information was collected to determine any difference in responses in the population. The results indicate that (1) approximately 75% of the Polish population has received CPR training; (2) the majority of the surveyed population assess their CPR ability as inadequate; (3) the surveyed population believe that CPR training needs to be expanded and improved. Taking into consideration results of the CPR knowledge assessment questions it can be concluded that CPR knowledge in Poland is low and a standardized curriculum for CPR training is needed.