Introduction. Every citizen, and especially healthcare professional, should have skills in basic life support and ability to deliver safe and effective defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator. The conducted questionnaire study revealed that knowledge and skills for conducting cardiopulmonary resuscitation by healthcare professionals are not satisfactory. BLS/AED training must be repeated periodically and the training formula should be tailored to professions of participants. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the level of knowledge of medical and non‑medical staff regarding basic life support (BLS) and the use of the automated external defibrillator (AED). Material and methods. The study was conducted on a group of 160 hospital staff members participating in a BLS/AED training, based on a questionnaire. Results. The study revealed that the level of knowledge of the medical staff is slightly higher than that of administration, technical and other staff. In both groups, however, the knowledge is insufficient and additional learning is required in regard to cardiopulmonary resuscitation as well as the place and depth of chest compressions. The staff members exhibited the highest levels of knowledge in respect of the frequency of chest compressions and the time when AED should be used. Conclusions. 1. The knowledge of basic life support of both, medical and non‑medical staff is insufficient. 2. Non‑medical and medical staff do not have sufficient knowledge about AED. 3. Annual BLS/AED trainings seem to be the best way of maintaining adequate knowledge and skills.

Key words: BLS – basic life support, AED – automated external defibrillator.