Basic Life Support (BLS)

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About Course

The Basic Life Support (BLS) Course provides essential training for healthcare professionals, emergency responders, and individuals who want to be prepared for life-threatening emergencies. This course covers high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and techniques for relieving airway obstructions in adults, children, and infants.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
✅ Recognize cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies.
✅ Perform high-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants.
✅ Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) effectively.
✅ Provide rescue breathing and manage airway obstructions (choking).
✅ Work as part of a team in a resuscitation scenario.
✅ Understand the chain of survival and the importance of early intervention.

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What Will You Learn?

  • CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
  • High-quality chest compressions for adults, children, and infants
  • Proper hand placement, compression depth, and rate
  • Rescue breaths with and without a barrier device
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use
  • How to operate an AED
  • When and how to deliver a shock
  • AED safety precautions
  • Choking Relief (Airway Obstruction)
  • How to assist a conscious or unconscious choking victim
  • Performing the Heimlich maneuver on adults and children
  • Special considerations for infants and pregnant individuals
  • Team Dynamics in a Medical Emergency
  • Coordinating roles in a multi-rescuer scenario
  • Effective communication during resuscitation
  • Leadership and teamwork in emergency situations
  • Rescue Breathing & Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) Use
  • How to provide ventilation support
  • Proper technique for using a bag-mask device
  • Breathing rates for adults, children, and infants
  • Recognizing Life-Threatening Emergencies
  • Signs of cardiac arrest, stroke, and respiratory failure
  • When to activate emergency medical services (EMS)
  • Importance of early intervention
  • Hands-Only CPR (For Lay Rescuers)
  • When to use hands-only CPR
  • Differences between conventional CPR and hands-only CPR.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Basic Life Support (BLS)
This module provides an overview of Basic Life Support (BLS) and its critical role in saving lives during medical emergencies. Learners will understand the chain of survival, emphasizing early recognition, immediate CPR, rapid defibrillation, and advanced medical care. Key topics covered: ✅ What is BLS? – Definition and importance in emergency response ✅ The Chain of Survival – Steps to improve survival rates in cardiac arrest cases ✅ Legal & Ethical Considerations – Good Samaritan laws, duty to act, and consent ✅ Infection Control & Personal Safety – Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), minimizing disease transmission At the end of this module, learners will: • Understand the importance of early intervention in medical emergencies • Identify their role as a responder and when to activate emergency medical services (EMS) • Be aware of legal protections and ethical responsibilities when providing aid • Learn basic safety precautions to protect both the victim and rescuer

  • BLS Examination

Overview of BLS and its importance
Basic Life Support (BLS) refers to the fundamental emergency medical care provided to individuals experiencing life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or choking. It includes techniques like CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), airway management, and defibrillation using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Why is BLS Important? Increases Survival Rates Immediate CPR and defibrillation significantly improve survival chances for cardiac arrest victims. The Chain of Survival emphasizes early recognition, high-quality CPR, rapid defibrillation, and professional care. Prevents Brain Damage The brain starts to suffer irreversible damage within 4-6 minutes of oxygen deprivation. BLS helps maintain blood circulation and oxygenation until advanced medical help arrives. Accessible to Everyone BLS skills can be learned by healthcare professionals, first responders, and the general public. Anyone can perform hands-only CPR to save a life in an emergency. Reduces the Risk of Complications Proper airway management and early intervention can prevent worsening conditions. Techniques like choking relief and rescue breathing prevent respiratory arrest. Bridges the Gap Before Advanced Care Emergency medical teams take time to arrive; BLS provides immediate, life-saving actions. In high-stress situations, trained responders can act quickly and confidently.

Chain of survival and early intervention
The Chain of Survival is a series of critical steps designed to maximize survival chances for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest or other life-threatening emergencies. Each link in the chain represents an essential action that must be performed promptly to improve outcomes. The 5 Links in the Chain of Survival 1️⃣ Early Recognition and Activation of Emergency Response Identify signs of cardiac arrest (unresponsiveness, abnormal breathing, no pulse). Call Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or activate the local emergency number immediately. Quick recognition ensures that medical help is on the way as soon as possible. 2️⃣ Early High-Quality CPR Begin chest compressions immediately to maintain blood circulation. Perform compressions at the correct depth (at least 2 inches for adults) and rate (100-120 per minute). Combine with rescue breaths (if trained) or perform hands-only CPR if untrained. 3️⃣ Rapid Defibrillation (AED Use) An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) should be used as soon as it is available. The AED analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers a shock if needed to restore a normal heartbeat. Defibrillation within 3-5 minutes of cardiac arrest significantly increases survival rates. 4️⃣ Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Post-Resuscitation Care Paramedics and healthcare professionals provide advanced airway management, medication, and continued defibrillation. Hospital-based interventions such as therapeutic hypothermia and cardiac catheterization improve recovery chances. 5️⃣ Post-Cardiac Arrest Care and Recovery After resuscitation, patients require ongoing monitoring, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments to prevent future incidents. This includes cardiac rehabilitation, medications, and education on heart health. Why Early Intervention Matters Survival rates drop by 7-10% for every minute without CPR and defibrillation. Immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances in cardiac arrest victims. Public education on BLS skills helps ensure that more bystanders can respond effectively in emergencies.

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Basic Life Support (BLS)
When performing Basic Life Support (BLS), responders must be aware of legal and ethical responsibilities to ensure they provide care appropriately while protecting themselves from liability. 1️⃣ Duty to Act Definition: The duty to act refers to the legal or moral obligation of certain individuals to provide care in an emergency. Who Has a Duty to Act? ✅ Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, paramedics) on duty ✅ Emergency responders (police officers, firefighters) ✅ Employees required to respond to emergencies (lifeguards, security officers) Who Does NOT Have a Duty to Act? 🚫 Bystanders and members of the public generally do not have a legal obligation to provide care, but they are encouraged to help if they can. 2️⃣ Good Samaritan Laws Definition: Good Samaritan laws protect bystanders who voluntarily help a victim in an emergency. These laws vary by country or state but generally shield rescuers from legal liability if they act in good faith and without gross negligence. Key Principles of Good Samaritan Laws: ✔️ Protection from lawsuits if the rescuer acts reasonably and within their training ✔️ No expectation of perfect medical care—only reasonable assistance ✔️ Laws usually apply to unpaid, voluntary rescuers 🚨 Limitations: Good Samaritan laws do NOT protect someone who acts recklessly, provides care beyond their training, or forces unwanted treatment. If a rescuer expects payment or provides negligent care, they may be held liable. 3️⃣ Consent and Refusal of Care Before providing BLS, rescuers must obtain consent when possible. Types of Consent: 🟢 Expressed Consent – Given verbally or through gestures when the victim is alert. 🔵 Implied Consent – Assumed when a person is unconscious or unable to respond. 🟡 Consent for Minors – If a parent/guardian is unavailable, care is provided under implied consent. 🚨 What if Someone Refuses Help? Respect their wishes unless they become unconscious or are at immediate risk. If a person refuses care but is confused or irrational, call emergency services for guidance. 4️⃣ Negligence and Abandonment 🚫 Negligence: Occurs when a rescuer provides care below the accepted standard, leading to harm. Examples: ❌ Performing incorrect CPR techniques ❌ Delaying or refusing necessary care ❌ Using an AED incorrectly 🚫 Abandonment: Once you begin providing care, you must continue until: ✅ A higher-trained professional takes over (paramedics, doctors) ✅ You are physically unable to continue ✅ The scene becomes unsafe Ethical Responsibilities of a BLS Provider ✅ Act in good faith and with compassion ✅ Provide care within your level of training ✅ Respect the dignity and rights of the patient ✅ Follow the Chain of Survival to maximize survival chances

Infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE)
In emergency situations, infection control is essential to protect both the rescuer and the victim from infectious diseases. Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and following proper hygiene protocols minimize the risk of disease transmission. 1️⃣ Understanding Infection Control in BLS BLS providers may come into contact with blood, saliva, vomit, and other bodily fluids, which can carry infectious diseases such as: 🦠 HIV/AIDS 🦠 Hepatitis B & C 🦠 Tuberculosis (TB) 🦠 COVID-19 and respiratory infections How Infections Spread: Direct Contact: Touching infected blood or bodily fluids. Indirect Contact: Touching contaminated surfaces or objects. Airborne Transmission: Breathing in droplets from coughs or sneezes. Droplet Transmission: Contact with respiratory secretions from close interactions. 💡 Prevention: Follow Standard Precautions—treat all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious. 2️⃣ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for BLS Providers PPE helps prevent exposure to infections during emergency response. Essential BLS PPE includes: 🧤 Gloves – Protect hands from direct contact with bodily fluids. 😷 Face Mask (Surgical/N95) – Shields against airborne and droplet infections. 👓 Eye Protection (Goggles/Face Shield) – Prevents splashes from reaching the eyes. 🦺 Gown or Apron (if available) – Provides additional protection against fluids. 🛑 CPR Barrier Devices – Prevents direct mouth-to-mouth contact during rescue breaths. Types of CPR Barrier Devices: ✅ Pocket Mask – Has a one-way valve to prevent backflow of air or fluids. ✅ Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) – Used for ventilation support without direct contact. 💡 Best Practice: Always use a barrier device when giving rescue breaths. 3️⃣ Hand Hygiene in BLS Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent infections. 🧼 Handwashing Steps (At Least 20 Seconds): 1️⃣ Wet hands with clean water. 2️⃣ Apply soap and rub all areas, including between fingers and under nails. 3️⃣ Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel or air dry. 🚨 If soap and water are unavailable: Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol). 4️⃣ Safe Handling & Disposal of Contaminated Materials After providing care, safely dispose of used PPE and contaminated items to prevent further risk. 🗑️ Proper Disposal: Remove gloves and PPE carefully to avoid self-contamination. Dispose of biohazardous waste in designated containers (e.g., gloves, blood-soaked materials). Clean and disinfect equipment (AEDs, CPR masks) according to manufacturer guidelines. 5️⃣ Special Considerations for Airborne Diseases (COVID-19, TB, Flu) Maintain physical distancing when possible. Use N95 or equivalent masks for suspected respiratory infections. Avoid unnecessary direct contact—use hands-only CPR if rescue breaths are not safe.

When and how to activate emergency medical services (EMS)

Primary vs. secondary assessment

Module 5: Airway Management & Choking Relief
This module covers essential techniques for maintaining an open airway and relieving choking in adults, children, and infants. A blocked airway can quickly lead to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest, making early intervention critical. Key Learning Points: ✅ Recognizing airway obstructions (partial vs. complete blockages) ✅ Proper techniques for opening and maintaining an airway ✅ Choking relief for conscious and unconscious victims ✅ Special considerations for infants, pregnant individuals, and obese victims 1️⃣ Airway Management Techniques 🔹 Head-Tilt, Chin-Lift Maneuver (for unresponsive victims without suspected spinal injury) 🔹 Jaw-Thrust Maneuver (for victims with possible spinal injuries) 🔹 Recovery Position for unconscious but breathing individuals 2️⃣ Recognizing Airway Obstruction 🚨 Partial Blockage: Victim can cough, speak, or make sounds Encourage forceful coughing to clear the airway 🚨 Complete Blockage: Inability to cough, speak, or breathe Clutching the throat (universal choking sign) Cyanosis (bluish skin) and loss of consciousness if untreated 3️⃣ Choking Relief Techniques 🔹 For Conscious Adults & Children (Over 1 Year): Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) Continue until the object is expelled or the victim becomes unconscious 🔹 For Conscious Infants (Under 1 Year): Give 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts Repeat until the airway is cleared or the infant becomes unresponsive 🔹 For Unconscious Choking Victims (All Ages): Begin CPR immediately Check the airway for obstruction between compressions and breaths Remove any visible obstruction (avoid blind finger sweeps) 4️⃣ Special Considerations Pregnant or Obese Victims: Perform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. Suspected Spinal Injury: Use the jaw-thrust maneuver to open the airway without tilting the head. Drowning Victims: Prioritize rescue breaths before starting compressions. Why This Matters: 🚑 A blocked airway can cause unconsciousness and cardiac arrest in minutes. 💡 Proper airway management and choking relief techniques prevent fatalities. ⏳ Early intervention ensures oxygen reaches vital organs, improving survival rates. This module provides lifesaving skills that empower responders to act quickly and effectively in airway emergencies.

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