Objective To explore the effect of scenario simulation teaching method in the training of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for junior surgical residents. Methods 133 junior residents (working life<3 years) in the author's hospital rotating Cardiac Surgery department were selected and divided into control group (n=65) and observation group (n=68), in which the control group adopted traditional classroom teaching: teacher explanation-demonstration-student practice-teacher counseling; the observation group adopted scenario simulation teaching: teacher explanation-demonstration-student practice-teacher counseling scenario simulation. Before and after training, two groups both received the CPR theory and double operation assessment , comparing the difference of assessment scores between groups before and after training . Results There was no statistically significant difference in the demographic characteristics between the two groups. The assessment scores of CPR theory and operation were improved in both groups after training, and there were significant differences (P=0.000). There were no statistically significant differences in the CPR theory and operation assessment scores between the two groups before training (P>0.05);compared with the scores of CPR operation between the two groups after training, the observation group [(84.62±3.94)] was significantly higher than that of the control group [(79.68±5.45)] and there were significant statistical differences (P=0.000), while there was no statistically significant difference in CPR theory assessment scores between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions Both traditional classroom teaching and scenario simulation teaching methods could improve the CPR theory and skill level of the surgical junior resident, but situa tional simulation teaching method is better than traditional classroom teaching method in improving students' CPR performance.