Objective: To analyze the effect of using a problem-based (PBL) independent learning model in teaching cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) first aid in emergency medicine. Methods: 90 interns in the emergency department of our hospital from May 2022 to May 2023 were selected for the study. They were divided into Group A (45, conventional teaching method) and Group B (45 cases, PBL independent learning model) by randomized numerical table method to compare the effects of the two groups. Results: The teaching effect indicators and student satisfaction scores in Group B were higher than those in Group A (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of the PBL independent learning model in the teaching of CIS first aid can significantly improve the teaching effect and student satisfaction.