The lives of most people suffering from cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest or in situations when they may be choking depends upon the rational and critical thinking of the emergency medical provider. In such emergency situations, it is important to immediately start giving Basic Life Support (BLS).
Assessment and response in emergency situations
In emergency situations, it is essential for medical providers to respond quickly. Early response can help save lives of patients in such situations. Appropriate response by applying BLS involves quick assessment of the situation and determining the essential steps to be taken. San Diego has a number of institutions specializing in providing BLS certifications. Medical providers can obtain all relevant information regarding the course structure and format by searching for BLS certification San Diego listings on websites.
There are few basic points from the BLS training, which are important to be memorized in order to help patients in emergency situations.
Steps for giving BLS CPR to an Adult
- Check the breathing of the patient by seeing his chest movements. In case the breathing is static or abnormal, immediately call for help.
- Check for the carotid pulse in the neck for 5-10 seconds.
- If you do not locate the pulse, immediately start giving chest compressions from the breastbone. Initially give 30 compressions.
- The compressions may range from 100-120 per minute.
- Use a bag valve mask or pocket mask to give 2 breaths by opening the airway.
- Give 5 sets comprising of 2 breaths and 30 compressions each until the AED or ambulance arrives.
Steps for giving BLS CPR to a child and infant
The steps for giving BLS CPR to a child are same as that given to an adult, except the following changes:
- In case no breathing is noticed in a child, give a 2 minute CPR prior to calling for help.
- In case no breathing is noticed in an infant, give 5 sets comprising of 2 breaths and 30 compressions each prior to calling for help.
- For an infant, check the brachial pulse instead of carotid pulse for 5-10 seconds.
Steps for giving AED to an Adult, child or infant
- Fix the AED pad’s on the chest of the patient and switch on the power to receive spoken directions.
- Press the shock tab in case the patient receives a shock and remove the AED pads.
- Perform the CPR process and then reuse the AED.
- For children and babies, the AED pads may be replaced with special pads meant for children and infants.
Rescue breathing
In case no breathing is noticed in a patient, rescue breathing may be given at an interval of 5-6 seconds for adults and 3-5 seconds for children and infants.
A choking adult or child may be given abdominal thrusts to revive breathing. For an infant, backslaps can be effective.
Basic Life Support plays an important role in emergency situations. Proper application of the technique can help save lives of patients.