Glossary
Basic Life Support (BLS) is a fundamental medical care level, primarily used in emergency situations until the patient can be given full medical attention at a hospital. It can be provided by trained medical personnel, including emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and by qualified bystanders.
The primary goal of BLS is to maintain the ABCs of the patient, which stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation, without which the patient can lose their life. BLS is the first step in the process of saving a life and can be followed by advanced life support if necessary.
The first component of BLS is ensuring that the patient's airway is open. This is crucial because if the airway is blocked, oxygen cannot reach the lungs, and the patient can quickly become hypoxic, leading to brain damage or death. To maintain an open airway, BLS providers may use techniques such as the head-tilt, and chin-lift maneuver, or insert airway adjuncts such as an oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway.
The second component of BLS is breathing. Once the airway is open, the BLS provider must ensure that the patient is breathing adequately. If the patient is not breathing or breathing inadequately, the provider may need to give rescue breaths. This can be done using mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or with a bag-valve-mask device. The provider must also monitor the patient's breathing rate and quality, as changes in these can indicate a worsening condition.
The third component of BLS is circulation. This involves checking the patient's pulse and looking for signs of life. If the patient does not have a pulse, the provider will need to start chest compressions and possibly use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to try to restart the patient's heart. The provider must also monitor the patient's skin color and temperature, as changes in these can indicate poor circulation.BLS also includes treating the patient for shock, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Signs of shock include pale, cold, and clammy skin, rapid pulse, and low blood pressure.
Treatment for shock includes laying the patient flat, raising their legs, and keeping them warm. In addition to these physical interventions, BLS also involves comforting and reassuring the patient. This is important because patients who are scared or anxious may have worse outcomes. BLS providers must also communicate effectively with other healthcare providers to ensure that the patient receives the best possible care.
BLS is a critical skill for anyone who may need to respond to an emergency, including healthcare providers, first responders, and laypeople. It can be the difference between life and death for a patient in cardiac arrest or other medical emergencies. Therefore, it is essential to receive proper training and regularly refresh these skills.BLS training typically involves learning the theory behind the interventions, practicing the skills on a manikin, and passing a practical and written exam. The American Heart Association and other organizations offer BLS certification courses, which are usually valid for two years.
In conclusion, Basic Life Support is a set of interventions that can be used to save a life in an emergency. It involves maintaining the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation, treating for shock, and providing comfort and reassurance. BLS is a critical skill for anyone who may need to respond to an emergency, and proper training and certification are essential.