Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a union territory in the Indian sub-continent with a very diverse and large population. There was no existing data regarding the prevalence of communication disorder in this region and hence, this study was taken up. This information was considered essential for creating awareness among the population about communication impairments, for providing rehabilitation and to improve policies and facilities for the affected individuals. Method: The study was completed in two phases. In the first phase, a door to door survey was carried out by students and staffs of All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, in the islands. During this phase, all individuals with communication disorders were identified and referred for a two-day camp that followed. The second phase involved diagnosis and rehabilitation of these referred individuals in a camp site set in a well accessible point in the capital city of Port Blair. Results: 4.12% of the population that was surveyed got referred for the camp. Amongst the referred individuals who participated in the camp, the prevalence of ear-related problems was estimated to be 47.76%, and that of speech and language disorders came up to 52.24%. It was also noticed that males were more affected by communication disorder than females. Conclusion: The prevalence values were found to be quite high in city of Port Blair and immediate action is required in terms of facilities and infrastructure in these areas for improving the quality of life of individuals with communication disorders. Zealand (20.0); (20.0) in Australia; in the African countries like Botswana (2.2), Chad (20.9), Ethiopia (3.8), Ghana (12.8), Kenya (15.2), Malawi (14.0), Mali (9.8), Senegal (15.5), Tanzania (9.5), Uganda (3.5) and Zambia (14.8); in North American countries like Canada (18.5), United States (19.4), Mexico (2.3); in South America Brazil (14.5), Nicaragua (10.0), Ecuador (12.1), Uruguay (16.0); in

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Purpose This study aimed to analyze speech and hearing students' knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding first aid and basic life support (BLS). Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey study was performed through a web-based questionnaire regarding knowledge of first aid and BLS skills, experience, and views about training on these skills among speech and hearing students. Results Four-hundred forty-two students from 26 different speech and hearing colleges participated in the study. About 88.23% of participants reported the necessity of knowledge about BLS skills and first aids. Fifty-five percent of participants encountered at least one emergency during their training. There is significant difference between awareness and confidence in performing these skills (Mann–Whitney U test= 76.5; /z/= −2.39; p = 0.019; effect size = 0.27). Most of the students (92.5%) reported not being trained to perform first aid and BLS skills and seek inclusion of these skills in their academic curriculum. Conclusions Overall confidence in first aid skills is less in the students of speech and hearing when compared with the awareness level. Hence, formal training of first aid and BLS should be introduced into the curriculum to provide students with sound knowledge and practical skills and help them boost their confidence.

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