In the blink of an eye, an ordinary day can turn into a life-or-death situation where immediate action is critical. Basic Life Support (BLS) assessment includes a set of essential procedures that can literally make the difference between life and death in emergencies. Understanding and mastering the five basic steps of BLS is crucial for anyone who may be called upon to provide emergency aid to someone suffering from cardiac arrest or another life-threatening condition.
Proper training is key to mastering these steps. If you’re planning to enrol in a Basic Life Support training course, here’s what you’ll learn.
Assessing the Scene for Safety
The first step in a BLS assessment is ensuring the area is safe from hazards such as debris, shrapnel, or other dangerous items. This step is vital to avoid injury to yourself, the patient, or any bystanders. By securing the environment, you can proceed with the assessment and intervention without putting anyone at further risk.
Checking the Victim’s Responsiveness
Once you’ve confirmed the area is safe, the next step is to assess the victim’s responsiveness. Check the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC). Look for signs of respiration and a pulse. If the patient isn’t breathing or has no pulse, it’s time to start CPR immediately. This quick action is essential for keeping blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs until professional help arrives.
Calling for Emergency Services
After recognising that the victim is in cardiac arrest or another critical condition, the next crucial step is to contact emergency services. Promptly calling the emergency hotline or contacting
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ensures that professional assistance is on the way while you continue to provide life-saving care.
Using an Automated External Defibrillator
The time to defibrillation during cardiac arrest is a critical factor that directly impacts a person’s survival chances. If the victim is in cardiac arrest due to Ventricular Fibrillation (VF), their survival rate decreases by 10% for every minute defibrillation is delayed. CPR alone is not enough to save someone in VF; therefore, using a defibrillator as quickly as possible is vital. Anyone providing emergency assistance must understand how to operate an AED to maximise speed and accuracy in these high-stakes situations.
How to Get Trained to Use a Defibrillator
Learning how to use an AED is done with the help of defibrillator trainers. AED trainers are simulation devices that mimic the function and operation of real Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). These trainers are designed to help individuals learn how to use an AED in a safe, controlled environment without the risk of delivering an actual shock. They are vital tools in first aid courses, allowing learners to practice the critical skills needed to respond effectively in cardiac emergencies.
The realistic, hands-on experience this device provides, allows trainees to familiarise themselves with AED usage, including powering on the device, attaching the pads, following audio/visual prompts, and delivering simulated shocks. This practical experience builds confidence and proficiency. Because defibrillator trainers do not deliver real shocks, they ensure that trainees can practice without harm. This safety aspect is crucial for repeated practice and learning.
AED trainers often include pre-set scenarios that mimic real-life situations, such as different heart rhythms or patient conditions. This helps trainees understand how to react in various emergencies, ensuring they are better prepared for real-life situations.
While training with an AED trainer, you’ll be informed that the person must be dry before applying the AED pads, that if the person has a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted the AED pads shouldn’t be placed directly over the device and that staying calm and focused and following the instructions on the AED precisely are essential for the success of the procedure.
Performing CPR
CPR is performed in conjunction with using an AED to keep blood circulating until emergency personnel arrive. During training, you’ll learn the proper technique, including how to position the patient on a hard surface, where to place your hands on the chest, and how to administer compressions at the correct depth (around five centimetres) and rate (100-120 compressions per minute). After 30 compressions, you should perform two rescue breaths, repeating the cycle as needed. Maintaining the correct speed and rhythm is essential to increasing the chances of a successful resuscitation.
Situations in Which BLS Can Be Required
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is the most common condition BLS are used. It is a sudden loss of cardiac function that can occur for a number of reasons, including drowning, a heart attack, electric shock, and others.
Severe Allergic Reacions
Anaphylaxis is an intense allergic reaction that can result in a person’s airway becoming obstructed and their heart stopping. BLS can be used to open their airway and keep them alive until expert medical care arrives.
Choking
Food, debris, or other items can restrict a person’s airway, causing them to choke and stop breathing. BLS can be employed to clear the impediment and resume breathing.
Suffocation
Suffocation can result from gas leaks, smoke inhalation or being trapped in small areas. BLS can assist in restarting the person’s breathing and keep them alive until professional medical care shows up.
Drowning
When a person is submerged in water, they may be unable to breathe or have their heart cease beating. BLS can be performed to help them breathe again and regain consciousness.
Trauma
When a person suffers a serious accident or trauma, their breathing or heart may cease. BLS can be used to help restart the individual’s breathing and keep them alive until expert medical care arrives.
Drug Overdose
The breathing and heart of a person can stop beating when too much medication or drugs are consumed. BLS may be employed to help restart their breathing and keep the person alive until expert medical care arrives.
BLS certification can be obtained through courses offered by responsible organisations. These classes usually include hands-on instruction in CPR, AED use, and other basic life support skills.
It’s an essential skill that any person can gain, including medical professionals, first responders, lifeguards, teachers, coaches, and anyone else who may be required to offer lifesaving care.
