Basic Life Support (BLS)
Basic life support (BLS) refers to a set of essential emergency procedures designed to sustain life in individuals experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or other life-threatening conditions. BLS techniques include recognizing and responding to emergencies, calling for help, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and providing basic airway management and breathing assistance. BLS is typically provided by trained medical professionals or bystanders until advanced medical care can be obtained.
What is the importance of knowing BLS?
Performing CPR and using an AED are essential procedures to help sustain someone’s life until professional medical help arrives. BLS skills can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations, and having this knowledge can give you the confidence to take action and potentially save a life. (Reference)
Key Elements of BLS:
BLS is the core of any resuscitation attempt. Key elements include:
Prompt recognition of cardiac arrest
Call for urgent medical assistance
Early effective CPR with an emphasis on minimal disruptions to compressions
Use Early Automated external defibrillator (AED) if available
Early advanced life support
Integrated post-cardiac arrest care(Reference)
Steps of BLS:
The steps involved in BLS are known as DRSABCD (or ‘doctors ABCD’)
D – Danger R – Response S – Send for help A – Airway B – Breathing C – CPR
D – Defibrillator (Reference)
How is CPR involved in BLS?
CPR is a critical part of basic life support and can be performed by anyone who has been trained in its proper technique. CPR can help maintain vital blood flow to the heart, brain, and other organs until professional medical help arrives. (Reference)According to the Global First Aid Reference Center, each year, sudden cardiac arrest claims millions of lives globally. Immediate CPR can significantly increase survival rates, but only about 46% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR.
Alpha-Beta’s Mission:
Putting in the time to learn BLS gives people the skills they need to respond quickly and efficiently in emergencies. We can create a more resilient and prepared community that is equipped to save lives when it counts most by raising awareness and providing training. Buy Time! Save Lives!