Basic Life Support (BLS)
Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of life-saving techniques and skills used to provide immediate care to individuals who are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, particularly when their heartbeat or breathing has stopped. BLS is a fundamental level of medical care, typically provided by trained individuals who are not healthcare professionals, such as laypersons, first responders, or healthcare providers in non-clinical settings. The primary goal of BLS is to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation to the brain and vital organs until more advanced medical care can be administered.
Key components of Basic Life Support include:
Check for Safety: Before approaching the victim, ensure that the scene is safe for both the rescuer and the victim. Check for any potential hazards and take appropriate precautions.
Assess Responsiveness: Approach the victim and assess their level of responsiveness. Tap them gently and shout for a response. If they do not respond, consider the victim unresponsive.
Activate the Emergency Response System: Call 911 or your local emergency number to request professional medical assistance. If there are others nearby, direct someone to make the call while you attend to the victim.
Check for Breathing: Check for signs of normal breathing. Look for chest rise and fall, listen for breath sounds, and feel for exhaled air. If the victim is not breathing normally, initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Chest Compressions: If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally, start chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the victim's chest, on the lower half of the sternum. Interlock the fingers of your other hand and position them on top of the first hand. Use your upper body weight to perform chest compressions at a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
Rescue Breaths (If Trained): If you are trained in providing rescue breaths, perform them after a set of chest compressions. Give two rescue breaths, making sure to create an airtight seal over the victim's mouth and nose. Each breath should be sufficient to make the chest rise.
Continue CPR: Continue the cycle of chest compressions and rescue breaths until the victim starts breathing on their own, professional help arrives, or you are too exhausted to continue. Regularly check for signs of life and adjust your efforts accordingly.
Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) (If Available): If an AED is available, use it as soon as possible. Follow the AED's prompts for attaching the electrodes and delivering shocks if necessary.
BLS training is essential for anyone who may find themselves in a position to provide immediate assistance during a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening situations. Training courses are widely available and cover techniques for adults, children, and infants. BLS certification is often required for healthcare professionals and recommended for many other individuals who want to be prepared to respond in emergencies.
