This Basic Life Support (BLS) Cheat Sheet is an invaluable tool for healthcare professionals, providing quick and easy access to the most important information needed in a medical emergency. It serves as a reference guide for performing CPR and other life-saving techniques. The BLS Cheat Sheet includes step-by-step instructions on performing chest compressions, rescue breathing, and other basic life support techniques. It also provides information on using an automated external defibrillator (AED) and other important safety tips.

Main Components of CPR (C – A – B)

The main components of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) are the C-A-B sequence: Compressions, Airway, and Breathing.

Compressions: Compressions are chest compressions that help circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body. They should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute with enough force to depress the chest by at least 2 inches.

Airway: The airway should be opened and maintained to ensure that the patient can breathe properly. This includes positioning the head and neck in a neutral position, lifting the chin, and clearing any obstructions from the mouth or throat.

Breathing: Rescue breaths should be given after every 30 compressions. The rescuer should pinch the nose shut, make a seal over the patient’s mouth, and blow two breaths into the lungs.

High-Quality CPR

High-quality CPR is essential for successful resuscitation. It involves performing chest compressions at the correct rate and depth, providing rescue breaths at the right intervals, and using an AED when available. High-quality CPR also includes minimizing interruptions in chest compressions, avoiding excessive ventilation, and avoiding hyperventilation of the patient. It is important to ensure that all healthcare providers involved in resuscitation are trained and competent in performing high-quality CPR.

 Chain of Survival

The Chain of Survival is a set of critical steps that must be taken to save a person’s life during a medical emergency. The steps are as follows:

BLS For Adults

Basic Life Support (BLS) for adults is a set of life-saving techniques that can be used to help save the life of an adult in a medical emergency. BLS for adults includes chest compressions, rescue breathing, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Chest compressions should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute with enough force to depress the chest by at least 2 inches. Rescue breaths should be given after every 30 compressions. The use of an AED is recommended if one is available and the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

BLS / CPR For Children

Basic Life Support for children is a set of life-saving techniques that can be used to help save a child's life in a medical emergency. BLS and CPR for children include chest compressions, rescue breathing, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). 

BLS For Infants

Basic Life Support (BLS) for infants is a set of life-saving techniques that can be used to help save an infant's life in a medical emergency. BLS for infants includes chest compressions, rescue breathing, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Chest compressions should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute with enough force to depress the chest by at least 1.5 inches. Rescue breaths should be given after every 30 compressions. The use of an AED is recommended if one is available and the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

BLS Algorithms

BLS algorithms are a set of guidelines that provide healthcare providers with step-by-step instructions on how to perform Basic Life Support (BLS) in a medical emergency. BLS algorithms are designed to help healthcare providers quickly and accurately assess the patient’s condition, determine the appropriate course of action, and provide high-quality care. The American Heart Association has developed several BLS algorithms for adults, children, and infants.

Adult BLS Algorithm

Pediatric BLS Single-Rescuer Algorithm

Pediatric BLS Multiple-Rescuer Algorithm

Steps for Using an AED

Using an automated external defibrillator (AED) is critical in the Chain of Survival. An AED is a device that can be used to deliver an electric shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm during cardiac arrest. The steps for using an AED are as follows:

CPR With An Advanced Airway

CPR with an advanced airway is a technique used to provide oxygen to a patient who is not breathing normally. An advanced airway is a device that can be inserted into the patient’s mouth or nose and connected to a ventilator, which delivers oxygen-enriched air directly into the lungs. CPR with an advanced airway should be performed in conjunction with chest compressions and rescue breaths.

Mouth-To-Mouth Breathing

Mouth-to-mouth breathing is a technique used to provide oxygen to a patient who is not breathing normally. It involves the rescuer exhaling into the patient’s mouth and then allowing the patient to inhale the air. This technique should be performed in conjunction with chest compressions and rescue breaths. It is important for the rescuer to ensure that their mouth completely covers the patient ’s mouth and that their nose is pinched shut to prevent air from escaping.

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Choking Relief

Choking relief is a technique used to help a person who is choking. Choking occurs when an object becomes lodged in the airway, preventing the person from breathing normally. Choking relief can be performed by either the Heimlich maneuver or abdominal thrusts.

Common Abbreviations To Know