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Basics of BLS Training

The Medical Journal of Australia reported in July 2007 that over a period of a week and a half early that year, eight children drowned or nearly drowned in Sydney, Australia. Four of the children received basic life support measures within five minutes of entering the water, and none ended up with serious neurological problems from the incident. The others did not survive. The journal article points out that these numbers clearly illustrate the importance of basic lifesaving techniques not only for survival but also for reduction in long-term ill effects from oxygen deprivation.

  1. Facts

    • Emergency services respond to 300,000 calls of cardiac arrest annually, according to the American Red Cross. Cardiac arrest occurs when the patient loses consciousness, the heart begins to beat abnormally or ceases to function and breathing stops. A heart attack, choking or trauma may cause cardiac arrest.

    Information

    • Basic life support (BLS) involves rescue breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and choking relief. Workplace and community training programs may include basic first aid such as checking for a pulse and monitoring breathing along with CPR. Training teaches participants to dislodge airway obstructions, give mouth-to-mouth and do chest compressions in both children and adults. Students learn how to open an airway and the proper placement and speed for compressions, often likened to the beat of the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" since it amounts to approximately 100 beats per minute. Responders give one breath for each 30 compressions.

    Learners

    • People from all walks of life benefit from learning BLS measures. Teachers, children's club leaders, neighborhood associations, high school students, select department members in a workplace and staff in health care facilities of all kinds should get basic training. Medical experts who require certification (EMTs, first responders and basic life support instructors, for instance) also learn how to use the breathing bag and defibrillator. Participants practice on a mannequin during classes.

    Finding Training

    • Call your local Red Cross or American Heart Association office for information about training programs for all levels of basic life support. Many community colleges offer courses that often lead to certification. The American Heart Association trains and certifies instructors and delivers training programs in schools and workplace environments upon request.

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