The cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills of 160 staff members at a large metropolitan teaching hospital were assessed by a multiple choice questionnaire and a practical test of basic life support skills on a manikin. Medical staff members performed significantly better than did nurses in the multiple choice test, but significantly worse in the practical test; 48 (60%) of 80 nurses and only 26 (32.5%) of 80 doctors passed the practical test. Training in resuscitation by the St John Ambulance Association as a medical student may have improved the basic life support skills of doctors but there is clearly a need for continued revision and assessment of resuscitation skills.