Introduction basic life support

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of critical emergency procedures performed to sustain life until professional medical help arrives, playing a vital role in the chain of survival. It includes essential techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which helps maintain blood circulation and breathing in a person who has stopped responding, as well as the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to restore a normal heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest. Additionally, BLS protocols emphasize the importance of calling for emergency medical services, ensuring that advanced care is on the way while immediate and effective actions are taken by bystanders. Training in BLS is crucial for both healthcare providers and laypersons, as it instills confidence and equips individuals with the knowledge to act decisively in life-threatening situations, ultimately improving survival rates and outcomes for those in need.

Key Components of BLS basic life support:

1. Scene Safety & Responsiveness Check
   • Ensure the area is safe for both you and the victim.
   • Tap the victim and shout, “Are you okay?”
2. Call for Help
   • If unresponsive, call 911 (or emergency services) immediately.
   • If others are around, instruct someone to get an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
3. Check for Breathing & Pulse
   • Look, listen, and feel for breathing (max 10 seconds).
   • Check the carotid pulse (for adults/children) or brachial pulse (for infants).
4. Start Chest Compressions (CPR) if No Pulse
   • Adults & Children: 30 compressions → 2 rescue breaths (30:2 ratio).
   • Infants: Two-finger technique, 30:2 (or 15:2 with two rescuers).
   • Compression depth:
     • Adults/Children: ~2 inches (5 cm).
     • Infants: ~1.5 inches (4 cm).
   • Compression rate: 100–120 per minute.
5. Rescue Breaths (If Trained & Safe to Do So)
   • Tilt the head back, lift the chin, and give two breaths.
   • Each breath should last about 1 second and make the chest rise.
6. Use an AED (If Available)
   • Turn it on and follow voice prompts.
   • Place pads correctly (upper right chest, lower left side).
   • Deliver a shock if advised, then resume CPR immediately.
7. Continue Until:
   • The victim regains consciousness.
   • Professional help arrives and takes over.
   • You are physically unable to continue.