BASIC LIFE SUPPORT
AND
FIRST AID
GROUP 2 MEMBERS
Areglado, Jesimo Andrew
Asan, Kenny Dael
Fabiana, Andrian Paul
Lucas, Kryz Joshua
What is BLS (Basic Life Support)
Generally, it refers to the type of care that first-responders, healthcare providers and public
safety professionals provide to anyone who is experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress
or an obstructed airway. It requires knowledge and skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR), using automated external defibrillators (AED) and relieving airway obstructions in
patients of every age.
Elements of BLS
- Initial Assessment
- Airway Assessment
- Oxygen Therapy
- Chest Compressions
What are the types of BLS (Basic Life Support)
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) - helps save a life during cardiac arrest, when the heart
stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs.
Steps of CPR:
1. CHECK the scene for safety, form an initial impression and use personal protective
equipment (PPE)
2. If the person appears unresponsive, CHECK for responsiveness, breathing, life-threatening
bleeding or other life-threatening conditions using shout-tap-shout
3. If the person does not respond and is not breathing or only gasping, CALL 9-1-1 and get
equipment, or tell someone to do so.
4. Kneel beside the person. Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface.
5. Give 30 chest compressions
- Hand position: Two hands centered on the chest
- Body position: Shoulders directly over hands; elbows locked
- Depth: At least 2 inches
- Rate: 100 to 120 per minute
- Allow chest to return to normal position after each compression
6. Give 2 breaths
- Open the airway to a past-neutral position using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique
- Pinch the nose shut, take a normal breath, and make complete seal over the person’s mouth
with your mouth.
- Ensure each breath lasts about 1 second and makes the chest rise; allow air to exit before
giving the next breath
Note: If the 1st breath does not cause the chest to rise, re-tilt the head and ensure a proper seal
before giving the 2nd breath If the 2nd breath does not make the chest rise, an object may be
blocking the airway
7. Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths. Use an AED as soon as one is
available! Minimize interruptions to chest compressions to less than 10 seconds.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator) - is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac
arrest. It's a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm
and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an
effective rhythm.
Steps of AED:
1. Complete the CHECK and CALL steps
2. As soon as an AED is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts
3. Remove clothing and attach pads correctly
- Remove all clothing covering the chest. If necessary, wipe the chest dry
- Place one pad on the upper right side of the chest
- Place the other pad on the lower left side of the chest, a few inches below the left armpit
Note: If the pads may touch, place one pad in the middle of the chest and the other pad on
the back, between the shoulder blades
4. Plug the pad connector cable into the AED, if necessary
5. Prepare to let the AED analyze the heart’s rhythm
- Make sure no one is touching the person
- Say, “CLEAR!” in a loud, commanding voice
6. Deliver a shock, if the AED determines one is needed
- Make sure no one is touching the person
- Say, “CLEAR!” in a loud, commanding voice
- Push the “shock” button to deliver the shock
7. After the AED delivers the shock, or if no shock is advised, immediately start CPR,
beginning with compressions
What is First Aid
- The first and immediate assistance given to any person with either a minor or serious illness
or injury, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to
promote recovery until medical services arrive.
What are the types of First Aid
1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Those trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help a victim of cardiac arrest to
start breathing again. CPR involves first checking the person’s airway is clear, then using
rescue breathing and chest compressions to maintain blood circulation.
2. Burns
To treat a burn, you need to remove its source (whether that’s heat, a chemical, or electricity)
and then cool the affected area with running water for several minutes. Aloe vera and over-
the-counter medication are useful for minor burns, whereas major burns require immediate
medical attention.
3. Choking
An obstruction leading to choking can cut off a person’s air supply and lead to
unconsciousness or even death. It’s important to recognize if someone is choking and needs
help. Plus, you need to know what procedure is appropriate to use. For instance, when a
person is unable to cough or talk but is still conscious, you should use the Heimlich
maneuver; however, the appropriate first aid is different for someone who is unconscious.
4. Broken Bones
You should always treat any injury to a limb, hand, or foot as if it were a broken bone to
prevent further damage (Bandaging may help). If it’s not an open fracture, the person is
conscious, there is no heavy bleeding, and the skin appears normal, add a cold pack to the
injury. You should also create a splint with padding for a limb injury, without trying to
straighten the limb, before you head to the hospital. Broken bones related to the spine, head,
pelvis, hip, and thigh are more severe and require emergency treatment. You’ll need to wait
for an ambulance, as only a trained medical professional should move the injured person.
5. Bleeding
It’s important to stop a wound from bleeding to prevent the loss of too much blood
(Bandaging may help). You’ll need to be able to identify the type of bleeding to determine its
severity and know when the person needs medical attention. (Bandaging may help)
