Basic life support (BLS) is a crucial set of life-saving techniques used in emergencies. This helps maintain the airway, circulation, and breathing of individuals in distress. BLS provides immediate care during cardiac arrest, airway obstructions, and respiratory arrest. This improves the chances of survival until advanced medical help arrives.
The key components of BLS include rescue breaths, chest compressions, and the use of an automated external defibrillator. These techniques regulate the oxygen throughout the body, the brain, and the heart. Healthcare professionals and trained laypersons can perform BLS.
Understanding BLS protocols can make the difference between life and death. Explore this BLS study guide to understand the techniques and procedures.
The chain of survival is a series of steps that helps improve the chances of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest. It was developed in response to research that showed that the chances of survival for someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest increase when the steps are followed effectively.
Today, the chain of survival is widely recognized as a crucial framework that improves the chances of survival for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It is beneficial for first responders and medical professionals to provide timely, effective care that can save lives.
Here are the steps in the chain of survival:
This is the first step in the chain of survival. The primary objective is to recognize individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Once you recognize this, then you must activate the emergency response system. Call 911 to activate. Do this as soon as possible, as time is essential.
The next step is to provide early CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The steps involve chest compressions and rescue breaths. This helps the blood circulate well and reach the essential organs. Anyone who is trained in CPR must administer these steps.
The third step includes using an automated external defibrillator. This helps deliver shock to the heart. Additionally, it can also restore a normal heart rhythm. This helps improve the chances of survival for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are portable devices that you can carry anywhere. These are user-friendly, which anyone can use. You can get these in public places such as offices, schools, and airports.
This is the fourth step that involves providing advanced life support. It includes medications that regulate the functioning of the heart.
This is the final step where the trained individuals offer post-arrest care. The steps involve hospitalization and providing specialized treatment, including coronary artery bypass surgery.
BLS techniques and procedures provide immediate and effective care during life-threatening situations. This helps maintain vital body functions until professional help arrives. Let us learn the key techniques of BLS certification study guide:
Place the heel of one hand on the chest. Position it in the center, and place the other hand on top. Keep your elbows straight and your shoulders over your hands. Press down hard and fast, compressing the chest 2 inches deep at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
Rescue breaths: After 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Tilt the head back of the victim to open the airway. Cover the mouth and create an airtight seal. Breathe in the victim’s mouth for 1 second and watch the chest rise.
Procedure: Turn on the AED and follow the audio and visual prompts. Expose the chest of the victim and apply the AED pads. Make sure that no one touches the victim while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm.
Purpose: Restore a normal heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to the heart during sudden cardiac arrest.
Procedure: Check for obstructions in the airway and remove objects. Use the chin-lift method and open the airway for unresponsive victims. You can use the jaw-thrust maneuver for any suspected injuries to the spine.
Rescue breaths: After 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Tilt the head back of the victim to open the airway. Cover the mouth and create an airtight seal. Breathe in the victim’s mouth for 1 second and watch the chest rise.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide immediate life-saving interventions.
Procedure: Continue giving chest compressions and rescue breaths until professional help arrives. Reassess the condition of the victim and adjust the procedures whenever necessary.
Purpose: The primary purpose is to maintain effective support and ensure the best possible outcome.
Knowledge of basic life support skills equips you to help an individual experiencing difficulty breathing. Here are the steps to BLS certification:
Find an ideal course before you sign up and invest in classes to learn basic life support skills. Obtain a nationally accepted certificate to ensure your prospective employer accepts the validity of your certificate.
Enroll online, study the course materials, and take the test to learn the course modules.
Take the BLS exam, which comprises a multiple-choice question. Pass the test successfully to receive the certificate.
CPR certification expires every two years. You must apply for renewal & keep your certification updated. Otherwise, you need to take the full course again and complete the recertification process.
High-quality chest compressions maximize blood circulation. It improves survival chances. Know the techniques & tips in this BLS refresher study guide:
Effective rescue breathing provides oxygenation to individuals experiencing respiratory failure. Steps to provide effective rescue breathing in BLS:
BLS steps for adults, children, and infants distinct from one another.
The skills for healthcare providers include:
Insert and manage advanced airway devices, such as supraglottic airways and endotracheal tubes.
Interpret cardiac monitoring equipment and assess heart rhythm. Make informed decisions during resuscitation.
Establish and manage IV access. Administer medications and fluids during cardiac arrest.
Know the right medications, dosages, and administration routes.
Use automated external defibrillators and deliver synchronized shocks.
Here are key changes and updates in 2024 as per the BLS certification study guide:
This prioritizes chest compressions of adequate depth & rate with minimal interruptions in compressions. This allows for full chest recoil between compressions.
Effective communication is crucial during emergencies. Receive updated guidance on responsibilities and communication strategies.
The updated guidelines introduced recommendations regarding airway management, basic airway maneuvers, and the use of adjuncts such as bag-mask ventilation and supraglottic airway devices.
Basic life support certification is crucial for healthcare professionals and those involved in emergency response roles. It ensures individuals are trained to offer immediate care during cardiac and respiratory emergencies. In this BLS refresher study guide, here are the requirements for renewing BLS certification:
