iarjcrIARJCRIARJCR2789-606410.47310/iarjcr.2025.v05i01.004Every Second Counts: Assessing BCLS Knowledge Among the Public of ShimlaBackground: In medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, timely bystander intervention through Basic Cardiopulmonary Life Support (BCLS) can significantly enhance survival outcomes. While BCLS is traditionally associated with healthcare professionals, empowering the general public-especially in geographically challenging and semi-urban areas like Shimla-is critical. However, limited training access, persistent myths, and lack of awareness continue to hinder effective community response. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2024 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, to assess public knowledge and perceptions of BCLS. A total of 400 adults aged 18 and above were selected through mixed purposive and convenience sampling. Excluding healthcare professionals, data were collected using a pre-validated bilingual questionnaire covering socio-demographics, BCLS knowledge (20 multiple-choice questions), and attitudes toward emergency response. Responses were scored and categorized as Very Good (>80%), Good (60-79%), Fair (41-59%), or Poor (<40%). Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0. Results: Participants were mostly aged 26-35 years (36.8%), with a slight female majority (53.8%) and a rural predominance (54.5%). A strong majority recognized key BCLS components-78.5% correctly defined BCLS, 77.0% identified scene safety as the first step, and 78.0% knew the correct chest compression site. Awareness of AEDs was moderate (66.8%), while 71.0% understood that chest compressions alone can sustain life. In total, 81.1% of respondents demonstrated Good to Very Good knowledge, though 19% fell into Fair or Poor categories, revealing critical gaps in practical readiness and confidence. Conclusion: Shimla’s public demonstrates a commendable theoretical understanding of BCLS, but noticeable gaps persist in advanced application,   AED   familiarity  and  response  timing.  Bridging  these gaps through widespread, hands-on training, legal reassurance, and integration of BCLS education into schools, communities, and workplaces is essential to foster a lifesaving culture of action when every second counts.