About Basic Life Support Training

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 250,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest each year in the United States, which is more than from colorectal, breast and prostate cancers, car accidents, AIDS and several other causes combined. The chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest greatly increases when bystanders or first responders have proper training in basic life support, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation techniques.

Significance

• The American Red Cross and American Heart Association are leading providers of basic life support training for medical personnel and laypeople. This training can mean the difference between life and death in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest, which may be caused by a heart attack that clogs blood vessels in the heart, is characterized by abnormal heart rhythm, loss of heart function, cessation of breathing and consciousness. Asphyxiation, or choking, may be involved. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and removing anything blocking the victim's airway can keep the victim alive until medical rescue help arrives.

Function

• Knowing what to do in a cardiac emergency is a vital skill for healthcare personnel and emergency medical technicians, as well as laypeople, such as teachers, flight attendants, Scout leaders or health club staff. The American Heart Association offers certification in basic life support for healthcare providers, while the American Red Cross offers similar training in CPR for the professional rescuer and a program for the general public. Recertification is required every one to two years, depending on program and state licensing requirements.

Features

• Basic life support programs teach people how to perform CPR on adults, infants and children. The first step when you encounter someone who needs help is to check whether the victim is responsive. Is she breathing? Does he moan or move? Does she have a pulse? Activate the emergency medical system, by calling 911, as soon as possible. If the victim is unresponsive, follow the ABCs of CPR, which are taught and practiced in classes. Maintain an open airway. Check for normal breathing and if the victim isn't breathing normally, assist him with one or two rescue breaths. Apply 30 or more rapid compressions to the chest. Repeat rescue breaths and compressions if the victim is still not breathing normally. Courses for healthcare personnel also include instruction on using an automated external defibrillator.

Effects

• Proper training in CPR and basic life support can triple the chances that someone having a cardiac emergency outside the hospital will survive, according to Dr. David Matlock of the University of Illinois Medical School. But many people don't know how to perform CPR correctly. Dr. Matlock says that the Bee Gees' 1977 disco hit, "Stayin' Alive," is based on the ideal rhythm for chest compressions of around 100 beats per minute and can be a helpful guide. Lay responder programs with CPR and defibrillation occurring within three to five minutes of a victim's collapse have reported survival rates from 49 to 75 percent, according to the American Heart Association.

Considerations

• Check with your local hospital, fire department, or American Red Cross or American Heart Association office to find a class that is appropriate for you. Make sure the class is taught by a reputable organization and follows the guidelines of the American Heart Association or the Red Cross. Basic life support training should include hands-on practice with a mannequin and should require participants to pass a test to become certified. Be sure to also pay attention to keeping yourself safe while helping someone in an emergency.