Understanding Basic Life Support

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for over 600,000 deaths annually. Research continues to improve how we respond to emergencies with life-saving techniques. These techniques are based on the latest research and organized into a systematic response called the Chain of Survival, which begins with Basic Life Support (BLS). The Chain of Survival gives patients the best chance of receiving the necessary care and returning to a healthy life.

The heart pumps blood through the lungs, where it picks up oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. This oxygen-rich blood then returns to the heart and is pumped to vital organs—the heart and brain—as well as the rest of the body. When the heart stops, blood flow ceases, and a heart attack victim quickly loses consciousness. Without blood flow (within a maximum of 4 minutes), the heart and brain can be damaged due to lack of oxygen.

BLS interventions aim to prevent or slow down damage to the heart muscle until the underlying cause can be addressed. BLS significantly improves a person's chances of survival until advanced care becomes available. When someone experiences cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest, they must receive help within four minutes to get the heart pumping and blood flowing again.

BLS is a lifesaver in emergencies like heart attacks, drowning, electrocution, poisoning, or accidents—any situation where someone's heart or breathing stops. Therefore, BLS is a crucial skill for everyone, not just medical professionals, because it has the potential to save lives.

The steps of Basic Life Support

Steps of BLS (according to the 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines):

Ensure the safety of the rescuer, the patient, and the surroundings

Check the patient's responsiveness. If the patient is unresponsive, gasping for air, or not breathing at all, assume cardiac arrest (if checking for a pulse, do so for a maximum of 10 seconds).

Call for help from those around you

Remain calm and shout. Ask for assistance in contacting medical personnel or other emergency numbers. Don't forget to mention your name, the location of the incident, the type of incident, the number of patients, the condition of the patient, and any necessary needs.

Perform chest compressions (external cardiac massage)

Position yourself on the patient's right side. Ensure the patient is on a flat surface before performing chest compressions. Deliver compressions at a rate of 100-120 times per minute with a depth of 5-6 cm, firmly and quickly. Stop chest compressions if the patient responds or if medical personnel arrive.

Position the patient to maintain an open airway.

Note: The BLS steps outlined above are specifically for adults. BLS for pregnant women and infants/children has its own distinct techniques.

Reference:

1. American Heart Association. 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. (https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines). Accessed on 10 May 2023.
2. American Heart Association. Part 3: Adult Basic and Advanced Life Support. (https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/adult-basic-and-advanced-life-support). Accessed on 10 May 2023.
3. American Heart Association. Part 4: Pediatric Basic and Advanced Life Support. (https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/pediatric-basic-and-advanced-life-support). Accessed on 10 May 2023.