To react to a medical emergency, people need to know what to do. They also need to understand what basic life support is to administer it. So what is basic life support? What does it entail and why is it important? Let’s dive in.
There are more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the United States annually according to the American Heart Association.
That means there are thousands of people every year who need emergency lifesaving services. It also means thousands of people rely on bystanders to call 911, get them an ambulance, and help them stay alive until medical professionals arrive.
Unfortunately, 90% of cardiac arrests are fatal. A medical emergency can happen anywhere, at any time. This is why it’s so important for society to learn how to react to these situations.
To react to a medical emergency, people need to know what to do. They also need to understand what basic life support is to administer it.
So what is basic life support? What does it entail and why is it important? Let’s dive in.
According to the American Red Cross, Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of emergency procedures to keep someone alive when they experience a medical emergency. It refers to the type of care provided to anyone experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, or an obstructed airway.
First responders, healthcare providers, and public safety professionals are the ones who provide this type of care. Bystanders can also provide this type of care until someone can obtain advanced medical care.
BLS requires knowledge and skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, also known as CPR. It also requires knowledge of using automated external defibrillators (AED) and relieving airway obstruction in patients of any age.
Using an AED or performing CPR are essential procedures. They help sustain someone’s life until professional medical help can arrive. BLS skills can mean the difference between life and death. Knowing BLS can give you the ability to take action and potentially save a life.
For example, think of TV shows that feature police officers, 911 dispatch, or hospital workers. In the 911 calls featured in these fictitious situations, the person answering the 911 call usually asks if the injured person is breathing. If the caller responds “no”, then the dispatcher will guide the caller in performing CPR. These 911 dispatchers may also guide someone in performing the Heimlich maneuver to help remove an airway obstruction or what to do if someone is bleeding profusely.
The point is, BLS activities can mean the difference between life and death. It helps buy time until medical professionals arrive on the scene or an ambulance comes. In fact, 45% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survived after receiving bystander CPR.
If you witness someone who may be experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, you should employ something called “the chain of survival”. The chain of survival has six crucial actions that can help increase a victim’s chance of surviving their medical emergency.
The following information is in accordance with the 2020 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.
A bystander should perform the first three steps of the chain of survival right away:
A medical professional needs to perform the final three steps of the chain of survival. These three steps are…
In moments of medical emergencies, Basic Life Support (BLS) plays a critical role in providing immediate care to individuals in need. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a first responder, or someone who wants to learn how to assist in times of crisis, understanding the five essential steps of a BLS assessment can be invaluable.
By following a structured approach, you can assess the situation, make quick decisions, and administer life-saving techniques until advanced medical help arrives.
Let's explore the key components that form the foundation of every BLS assessment, ensuring you are well-prepared to make a difference in emergency situations.
It’s essential to evaluate the area for potential dangers before starting CPR. Things like debris, shrapnel, or hazardous materials could further hurt the patient. Ensuring scene safety before starting CPR will prevent injuries. You need to keep yourself, the patient, and any bystanders safe.
The next step is to assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation. Check for any signs of breathing or a pulse. If the patient isn’t breathing or has no pulse, start CPR immediately.
It’s crucial to activate the emergency medical services (EMS) system as soon as possible. You need to ensure that professional help arrives on the scene. Call the emergency number in your area. Then, follow the instructions provided by the dispatcher.
If an AED is available, use it as soon as possible. AEDs are user-friendly. They provide voice prompts and visual cues to guide you through the process. Follow the AED’s instructions carefully and promptly. This helps ensure the best chance of a successful outcome.
Chest compressions are an essential part of CPR. They help circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs.
When performing chest compressions, ensure that the patient is lying on their back on a firm surface. Place your hands on their chest and press down about two inches at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths and repeat the cycle.
Follow the proper speed and cadence to increase the chances of a successful outcome.
CPR is a critical part of basic life support. Anyone trained in its proper technique can perform it.
Perform CPR immediately if the person is unresponsive, not breathing, or has no pulse.
CPR can help maintain vital blood flow to the heart, brain, and other organs until professional medical help arrives.
Step-by-step guide on performing CPR:
AEDs are safe to deploy on an unresponsive victim. It’s designed to analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver a shock to restore a normal heartbeat. The device will not shock a victim or a responder.
Step-by-step guide on using an AED:
AED tips and precautions:
It's not possible to avoid all medical emergency situations. Things happen after all. But knowing how to handle these situations can mean the difference between life and death for the person you are helping.
Now that you understand what basic life support is and why it is important, the next step is to look for training. The more information you have to help someone in a medical emergency, the more likely they are to survive.
With proper knowledge and training, you can save someone’s life.
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