Introduction. The European Resuscitation Council emphasizes that the leading cause of death in Europe is sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Significant is that the immediate start of CPR can double and even four times increase the chances of survival. One of the first people who performs resuscitation is a nurse. Therefore, it seems essential to implement appropriate training on the basis of emergency medical services for nursing students so that they possess knowledge, skills and readiness to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Aim. Assessment of basic knowledge in the field of BLS and readiness to undertake such activities among students of the first and third year of nursing. Material and methods. The survey was conducted among full-time nursing students of the 1st and 3rd year (n = 230) at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Warsaw Medical University in the academic year 2012/2013. The diagnostic survey method and the questionnaire were used in the study. Participation in the survey was voluntary and anonymous. Results. There were significant differences in students’ knowledge regarding participation in CPR trainings, readiness to undertake CPR, and basic knowledge of: hand positioning, depth and frequency of pressure, stopping CPR and performing CPR without emergency breathing. Students who graduated had more knowledge but their readiness to undertake rescue operations was low. Conclusions. Basic knowledge in the field of resuscitation among nursing students is higher in people finishing their studies, but it is insufficient. The readiness to resuscitate is unsatisfactory. It is necessary to implement BLS training among first degree nursing students as early as in the first year and to continue them during each year of study in the appropriate time and form.

Key words: education, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic life support (BLS), sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).