BLS is the foundation of life-saving pre-hospital emergency care and can be performed by healthcare professionals.
The primary goal of BLS is to maintain sufficient blood flow, but it can also be used to maintain a patient airway, breathing, and circulation until more advanced medical intervention can be obtained.
What is BLS?
BLS is a crucial form of medical care administered by first responders, healthcare providers, and public safety professionals to anyone experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, or an obstructed airway.
BLS requires knowledge and skills in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator and relieving airway obstructions in patients of every age.
Having knowledge of Basic Life Support (BLS) and the ability to practice basic CPR techniques can significantly improve the chances of survival for a patient until experienced medical assistance arrives.
CAB in BLS
The CAB method stands for Circulation, Airway, and Breathing.
Circulation: Ensuring adequate blood circulation and oxygenation to vital organs during the emergency by chest compressions.
Airway: Opening the airway is necessary to flow oxygen and carbon dioxide through the airways to support the body's respiration.
Breathing: Respiration supplies enough oxygen to preserve life.
What are the AHA guidelines for BLS?
The compression to ventilation ratio for a single rescuer is 30:2
Chest compression rate should be 100-120 compressions per minute.
Chest compression depth is at 2 inches deep for children
Chest compression depth is 2.4 inches deep for adults
Chest compression depth is 1.5 inches deep for infants
The ventilation rate for an adult victim is 1 breath every 6 seconds
Pediatric ventilation rate with an advanced airway in place is 1 breath every 2 to 3 seconds
In instances of suspected opioid overdose where a pulse is present, but breathing is absent or insufficient, provide rescue breathing and administer naloxone.
Chain of survival
The chain of survival refers to a series of steps that, when taken in sequence, can significantly increase the chances of survival for individuals suffering from cardiac arrest.
The steps are: 1. Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of EMS 2. Early, high-quality CPR 3. Rapid defibrillation 4. Effective advanced life support 5. Integrated post-cardiac arrest care 6. Recovery
The AHA defines the chain of survival as: 1. Bystanders who witness or suspect a cardiac arrest should immediately call 911 2. CPR is performed within 5 minutes after cardiac arrest occurs. 3. Defibrillation is recommended for all patients with VF/VT cardiac arrest. 4. Early Advanced Life Support includes endotracheal intubation, ventilation, intravenous access, medications, and advanced airway management. 5. Aftercare is still a crucial component of the chain of survival to ensure a lasting recovery.
What is BLS Certification?
BLS certifications are designed for healthcare professionals due to their job duties.
BLS provides training in single- and multi-rescuer resuscitation and teaches effective team-based BLS skills for pre-hospital and in-facility settings.
BLS course content reflects the most recent science from the American Heart Association guidelines for CPR and ECC
There are several ways to obtain a BLS certification — hands-on skill sessions, online certification, and blended learning.
What is EMT-Basic?
EMT-Basic means Emergency Medical Technicians-Basic
Emergency Medical Technicians respond to emergency calls to provide efficient and immediate care to the critically ill and injured and to transport the patient to a medical facility.
After receiving the call from the dispatcher, the EMT-B drives the ambulance to the address or location given, using the most expeditious route, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
The Emergency Medical Technicians must observe traffic ordinances and regulations concerning emergency vehicle operation.
The EMT-B is responsible for lifting the stretcher and placing it in the ambulance.
The EMT-B is responsible for emergency medical care while en route to the medical facility.
Basic Life Support (BLS) is the foundation for the delivery of all emergency medical care. Learning CPR and other Basic Life support skills are essential for everyone. It can be applied to a variety of medical and non-medical emergency situations. Workplace employees can take CPR training to learn these lifesaving skills. But if you are a healthcare provider, you can take Basic Life Support Certification online that is built upon the latest emergency cardiovascular care (ECC/ILCOR) guidelines published by the American Heart Association.
