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How's Important Basic Life Support in our Life.

June 23, 2023

By LordWally CoquillaPublished 11 months ago 4 min read
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American Heart Association, Basic Life Support Course

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a crucial set of techniques and skills designed to sustain life and provide immediate care to individuals experiencing medical emergencies, particularly those in cardiac arrest or respiratory distress. BLS plays a fundamental role in improving survival rates and minimizing the risk of permanent damage until advanced medical help arrives. Here are some key reasons highlighting the importance of Basic Life Support:

Preservation of Life: BLS techniques, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), help maintain blood circulation and oxygenation to vital organs, including the brain and heart, when a person's heart stops beating or they experience a respiratory arrest. By promptly initiating BLS procedures, bystanders can significantly increase the chances of survival.

Time-Critical Nature: Medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, require immediate attention. The first few minutes are critical, and without the initiation of BLS, the likelihood of a positive outcome decreases rapidly. BLS bridges the gap between the onset of an emergency and the arrival of advanced medical support.

Availability and Accessibility: BLS techniques can be performed by anyone, regardless of medical training. This accessibility is vital because medical emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Basic Life Support training equips individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide immediate aid until professional help arrives.

Public Health and Community Well-being: BLS training extends beyond healthcare professionals and is increasingly being taught to members of the general public. When more people are trained in BLS, the overall preparedness and response to medical emergencies within a community improve, leading to increased survival rates and reduced long-term disabilities.

Workplace Safety: Many organizations and workplaces, including schools, offices, and public facilities, now recognize the importance of BLS training for their employees. By providing BLS education and ensuring access to appropriate equipment, employers create a safer environment for their staff and visitors, addressing potential medical emergencies effectively.

Reducing Permanent Damage: Timely initiation of BLS procedures can minimize the risk of irreversible damage to vital organs. Effective CPR techniques, combined with prompt use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) when necessary, can restore normal heart rhythm and prevent brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation.

Complementary to Advanced Life Support: BLS serves as the foundation for advanced life support interventions. When emergency medical services (EMS) personnel arrive, they can seamlessly transition from BLS to more advanced medical care. By initiating BLS early on, the overall continuity of care is improved.

In summary, Basic Life Support is of paramount importance as it empowers individuals to respond effectively to medical emergencies, preserving life, reducing long-term disabilities, and improving overall survival rates. By ensuring widespread BLS training and awareness, communities can become more prepared and capable of providing critical care in times of crisis.

American Heart Association, Basic Life Support Course

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, which is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. CPR is a critical component of Basic Life Support (BLS) and is performed to maintain blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs until advanced medical help arrives.

Here are the key aspects of CPR:

Assess the Situation: Check the scene for safety and make sure it is safe for both the victim and rescuer. Determine if the person is responsive and if they are breathing normally.

Activate Emergency Response: If the person is unresponsive or not breathing normally, immediately call for emergency medical services (EMS) or ask someone nearby to call for help.

Airway: Open the person's airway by tilting their head back and lifting the chin. This helps ensure a clear passage for air to enter and exit the lungs.

Breathing: Check for signs of normal breathing. If the person is not breathing or only gasping, provide rescue breaths. Pinch the person's nose closed, cover their mouth with yours, and give two slow breaths, each lasting about one second. Watch for the chest to rise with each breath.

Chest Compressions: If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest, slightly above the lower half of the breastbone. Place the other hand on top, interlacing your fingers. Keep your arms straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands. Push hard and fast, compressing the chest at a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to recoil fully between compressions.

CPR Ratio: The ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths is typically 30 compressions to 2 breaths. After every 30 compressions, provide two rescue breaths and then continue with chest compressions.

Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED): If an AED is available, follow the voice prompts and attach the pads to the person's bare chest. The AED will analyze the heart rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary. Follow the instructions provided by the AED and resume CPR immediately after the shock is delivered.

Continue CPR: Continue performing cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths until the person shows signs of life, medical professionals take over, or you are too exhausted to continue.

Remember, CPR is a crucial skill that can significantly increase the chances of survival during a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening situations. It is recommended to receive proper CPR training and certification from recognized organizations to ensure you are equipped with the knowledge and skills to perform CPR effectively.

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