Purpose of the study: Most studies show that CPR skills deteriorate in the first three to six months after initial training. DEA skills are retained for longer than isolated BLS skills. There is some evidence that shorter and more frequent training, can potentially increase BLS training and reduce the deterioration of expertise.
In Hospital de Torrevieja we developed a program for training all staff in BLS and defibrillation, consisting of theory on line, exam online  and a 2 hour practical course, every 2 years. We want to assess the knowledgements retained according to the department (ICU and ER, medical and surgical ward, administrative staff) and according to timing of last learning undertaken.
Methods: We conducted a survey regarding cardiac arrest in order to assess knowledge and subjective impression , in a total of 121 people, including physicians, nursing, clinic assistants, and administrative staff. We made three groups: group 1)staff belonging to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and emergency room (ER) (n59),  group 2)medical and surgical ward staff and group (n44)3),administrative staff(n20). We divided these 3 groups in staff trained more or less than a year ago.
Results:  
1.	recognize and act in case of cardiac arrest: Group 1 90% answered correct (<1 year 39%). Group 2: 86%(< 1 year 68% )Group 3 ,100% (<1 year 65% ).
2.	chest compressions of adequate depth with a rate of: 100–120 compr min. Group 1 answered correct 75% (<1 year 32%). Group 2 :55% (<1 year 45%)Group 3: 30% (< 1 year 20%). 
3.	chest compressions /ventilations 30/2: group 1 :93% (<1 year 41%), group 2:91%,(<1year 75%).Group 3: 65%,(<1 year 55%)
4.	use an  automated external defibrilater (AED)? Answered yes. Group 1 81% (<1 year31%), group 2:68%,(<1 year 55%).Group 3: 10%,(< 1 year 10%).
5.	How often do you think training should be undertaken?  Answered every year. Group 1 58 %, group 2 : 68%  , group 3: 75%.

Conclussions: 
Most of the staff that works in ICU and ER would recognize and act  in case of cardiac arrest, and also answered successfully questions, not depending in timing  of last formation.
Perssonel working in ward trained  less than a year ago, answered more successfully than trained later.Administrative staff think that they could recognize a cardiac arrest but was the worst group in answering correctly, and most of people who answered correct  was trained  less than a year ago. Though they think that should receive training at least once a year. 
The frecuency of training should be adapted to the area of work, but probably not further than a year in groups that are not working in ICU or ER.

1 - Training hospital staff in Basic Life Support , how often?