What are the BLS (basic life support) steps used for adults?

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a critical intervention that can save lives in emergency situations, such as cardiac arrest. It involves a series of well-coordinated steps to maintain circulation and breathing until advanced medical help arrives. If the BLS steps are followed properly, then you can significantly improve the chances of survival and recovery for the victim.
In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the BLS process for adults. Whether you are a layperson or a healthcare professional, understanding and practicing these steps can make you prepared to act confidently and make a significant difference in the outcome of cardiac emergencies.

Step-by-Step Guide to BLS for Adults

Basic Life Support (BLS) for adults involves a series of steps designed to provide immediate care to someone experiencing a life-threatening emergency, such as cardiac arrest. Here’s the step-by-step process to perform BLS for adults:

Assess the Situation and Ensure Scene Safety

Before initiating any assistance or help, it is very important to ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the victim. The rescuer should look for potential hazards, such as traffic, fire, or electrical dangers. Look for the safety of both of us. Only approach the victim if the environment is secure. Scene safety is very important to prevent further harm, and it allows for a focused and effective rescue effort.

Check for Responsiveness

After you feel the area is secure, approach the victim and check if the person is responsive. Tap their shoulder and ask if they are okay. ” If the victim does not respond, it is a clear sign that they need immediate help. Shout for help and begin the BLS immediately.

Activate Emergency Response System

If the victim is unresponsive, call 911 right away or ask someone nearby to call for help. Also, if there is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) available, have someone bring it to you. Getting emergency services on the way quickly helps make sure the victim gets the medical help they need as soon as possible, which can increase their chances of survival. You can do your part and then hand it over to the EMS as soon as they arrive for more advanced care.

Check for Breathing and Pulse

Quickly check if the victim is breathing normally by looking for chest movement, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for air on your cheek. Simultaneously, check for a pulse at the carotid artery in the neck. This should take no more than 10 seconds. If the person is not breathing or only gasping and you do not feel a pulse, begin CPR immediately.

Begin High-Quality CPR

Start CPR by positioning the person on a hard, flat surface and kneeling beside them. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest (between the nipples) and place the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand. Keep your fingers off the chest. Push down on the chest to a depth of about 2 inches (5 centimeters) at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Make sure to maintain the correct compression depth and rate. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions. High-quality chest compressions help with blood circulation and provide oxygen to vital organs.

After 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Tilt the victim’s head back slightly to open the airway, pinch the nose shut, and make a complete seal over their mouth with yours.

Blow into their mouth for about 1 second to make the chest rise. Repeat for a second breath. Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until emergency medical services arrive or the person shows signs of recovery.

Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

As soon as an AED is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. Attach the AED pads to the victim’s bare chest as indicated. You need to make sure that no one is touching the victim while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm. If a shock is advised, clear the area and deliver the shock. After the shock, immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions.

You can also buy AED from Heart Start CPR.

Post-Resuscitation Care

After successful resuscitation, continue to monitor the victim’s breathing and pulse until emergency medical services arrive. Place the victim in the recovery position if they start to breathe normally but remain unresponsive. This position helps keep the airway open and prevents aspiration if the person vomits. To place someone in the recovery position, follow these steps:

1. Kneel beside the person.
2. Straighten their legs.
3. Place the arm nearest to you at a right angle to their body, with the elbow bent and the hand pointing upward.
4. Bring the far arm across their chest and hold the back of their hand against the cheek nearest to you.
5. With your other hand, grasp the far leg just above the knee and pull it up, keeping the foot flat on the ground.
6. Pull on the bent knee to roll the person toward you onto their side.
7. Adjust the top leg so that both the hip and knee are bent at right angles.

Keep the victim warm with a blanket or clothing and provide reassurance. Continually reassess the victim’s condition. You can check for any changes in their level of responsiveness or breathing. Be ready to resume CPR if necessary.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined above, you can provide effective and timely assistance to someone experiencing cardiac arrest. Remember to stay calm, act quickly, and ensure scene safety before initiating care. Your actions can make a significant difference in the outcome of a cardiac emergency.

To enhance your readiness, it’s important to get trained and regularly updated in BLS techniques. Consider enrolling in a BLS certification course. Heart Start CPR offers both online BLS classes and in-person BLS classes. You can enroll and gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform these life-saving procedures effectively.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and learn BLS steps. You could be the difference between life and death in a critical situation.