Basic Life Support fundamentals:Key skills for saving lives in emergencies

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of life-saving techniques used in emergencies, particularly for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. It focuses on maintaining circulation and breathing until advanced medical help arrives. BLS is important for immediate response in emergencies, increasing the chances of survival and recovery for victims until advanced medical care is available. Training in BLS equips individuals with the skills to act quickly and effectively.

By mastering the principles and techniques outlined in this blog, you will be equipped to respond effectively in emergencies, helping to save lives and make a difference in your workplace.

You can find out more information on this in our eBook here.

What basic life support covers

Basic Life Support (BLS) refers to the medical care used to treat patients experiencing life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or choking, until they can receive full medical treatment at a hospital. BLS is designed to help maintain adequate circulation and breathing to keep oxygenated blood flowing to essential organs, like the brain and heart.

BLS is typically provided by first responders, healthcare providers, or trained individuals in emergencies until more advanced care is available.

Getting CPR right under pressure

Practical tips for Basic Life Support providers help ensure that CPR is effective, coordinated, and delivered with minimal error. Here are essential practical tips for healthcare providers:

1) STAY CALM AND FOCUSSED

1) Assess the scene quickly: Ensure the area is safe before approaching the patient. Take a deep breath to maintain focus, as panic can lead to mistakes.

2) Prioritise tasks: Call for help or assign someone to call for emergency medical services immediately while you start BLS.

2) ENSURE HIGH-QUALITY CHEST COMPRESSIONS

1) Use proper body mechanics: Place yourself directly above the patient’s chest. Use your upper body strength and avoid bending at the waist to prevent fatigue.

2) Compress hard and fast: Aim for a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults and 1.5 inches (4 cm) for infants.

3) Allow full chest recoil after each compression to maximise blood flow. Don’t lean on the chest between compressions.

4) Minimise interruptions: Try to keep pauses in chest compressions under 10 seconds, even when giving breaths or using an AED.

3) USE THE AED EARLY AND CORRECTLY

1) Don’t delay the AED: As soon as an AED arrives, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. Every minute without defibrillation reduces survival rates by 7-10%.

2) Continue CPR until the AED is ready: Don’t pause compressions until the AED instructs you to analyse the heart.

3) Ensure no one is touching the patient when the AED is analysing or delivering a shock.

4) MAINTAIN PROPER VENTILATION

1) Avoid over-ventilation: Excessive breaths can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of complications like gastric inflation.

2) Give breaths slowly: Each breath should last about 1 second, enough to make the chest rise visibly.

3) Use the correct technique: Open the airway using the headtilt, chin-lift technique unless you suspect a spinal injury. If there’s a suspected spinal injury, use the jaw-thrust manoeuvre.

5) EFFECTIVE TEAMWORK

Teamwork and staying prepared

1) Clearly communicate roles: In two-rescuer scenarios, decide who will perform compressions, give breaths, and operate the AED. Change roles every 2 minutes to avoid fatigue.

2) Use closed-loop communication: Confirm orders and instructions to prevent misunderstandings. For example, say, “I’m switching after this cycle,” or “I’m clear to shock.”

3) Coordinate transitions between compressions and breaths smoothly. Always announce changes so there’s no delay in resuming compressions.

6) STAY PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY PREPARED

1) Practice regularly: The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel during real-life emergencies. Regular BLS training refreshes muscle memory and improves performance.

2) Maintain fitness: Performing CPR can be physically demanding, especially for extended periods. Keeping physically fit can reduce fatigue and ensure high-quality compressions.

3) Know your equipment: Be familiar with the locations and operation of AEDs in your facility. Review how to use bag-mask devices and other emergency tools.

7) BE AWARE OF SPECIAL SITUATIONS

1) For obese or pregnant patients: Position your hands slightly higher on the chest. For pregnant patients, tilt them slightly to the left to avoid compressing the large blood vessels.

2) For children and infants: Use less force, and in infants, use two fingers or the two-thumb encircling technique for chest compressions.

3) In drowning victims: Prioritise giving breaths first before compressions because oxygen deprivation is the primary issue in these cases.

4) Opioid overdose: Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available, but don’t delay CPR or AED use.

8) KEEP YOURSELF SAFE

1) Use personal protective equipment (PPE): When available, use gloves and a face mask or shield to protect yourself from bodily fluids, especially when giving rescue breaths.

2) Use a barrier device: If a barrier mask or bag-mask device is available, use it to deliver breaths instead of direct mouth-to-mouth contact.

9) STAY UPDATED

1) Follow updated guidelines: The Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) and other regulatory bodies regularly update CPR guidelines based on the latest research. Stay current on these changes to provide the best care.

2) Get re-certified regularly: Regular BLS re-certification ensures you are up-to-date with current practices and helps maintain confidence in your skills.

10) SELF-CARE AFTER A RESUSCITATION

1) Take time to debrief: After a resuscitation attempt, it’s important to reflect on the event. In a healthcare setting, participate in debriefings to learn from the experience.

2) Recognise emotional impact: Resuscitation attempts, successful or not, can be emotionally draining. Don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues or counsellors if needed.

Ready to find out more on the importance of BLS? View our specific Basic Life Support course today!