Basic Life Support (BLS)

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Basic Life Support (BLS)

Basic Life Support (BLS): A Lifesaving Skill Everyone Should Know

What is Basic Life Support (BLS)?

Basic Life Support (BLS) is the immediate care given to someone experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or airway obstruction. It involves a set of simple but critical interventions — most importantly CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) — that can save lives before emergency services arrive.

Is BLS Important?

Every minute without BLS decreases a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival by 7–10%. With timely intervention:

Lives can be saved in emergencies.
Brain function can be preserved.
Outcomes in cardiac arrest and choking incidents improve significantly.

Is BLS for everyone to learn?

Everyone! But especially:

Healthcare professionals
Teachers and school staff
Parents and caregivers
Gym instructors and coaches
General public (bystanders can save lives!)

Key Steps in Basic Life Support (2020 AHA Guidelines)

1. Ensure Scene Safety

Before approaching, check if the area is safe for you and the victim.

2. Check for Responsiveness

Gently tap and shout: “Are you okay?”

No response? Shout for help and call emergency services (e.g., 911 or local number).

3. Activate Emergency Response System

Call or ask someone to call emergency services.

Get an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available.

4. Check Breathing and Pulse (within 10 seconds)

No breathing or only gasping? No pulse? Start CPR immediately.

5. High-Quality CPR

Chest compressions: 100–120 compressions per minute, at least 2 inches deep.

Rescue breaths: 2 breaths after every 30 compressions if trained (otherwise, hands-only CPR is okay).

Use AED as soon as available.

6. Continue Until Help Arrives

Keep performing CPR or using AED until EMS arrives or the person recovers.

What’s in a BLS Kit?

Pocket mask
Gloves
AED (if available)
Alcohol wipes or sanitiser

What if I don’t have a BLS kit?

You can still set safe zone
You can still give CPR
Call for the ambulance
Improvise where and when needed

When and Where Can I Learn BLS?

BLS training are available through:

Hospitals and clinics
Red Cross / St. John Ambulance
Online and in-person training providers (certification may last 1–2 years)
PILL is now conducting them

Quick Tips to Remember

PUSH HARD, PUSH FAST.
Don’t be afraid to act — doing something is better than doing nothing.
Practice makes perfect — get certified and stay updated!

Final Thoughts

BLS is not just for doctors and nurses — it’s a skill that anyone can learn, and everyone should learn. In emergencies, your quick action could be the difference between life and death.

“You don’t need to be a hero — just someone who knows what to do.”

References:

Harve, M.A. and Li, D., 2024. Social impacts of the American Red Cross (ARC) disaster interventions: a scoping review. Cureus, 16(2).
https://www.redcross.org/
https://cpr.heart.org/
Merchant, R.M., Becker, L.B., Brooks, S.C., Chan, P.S., Del Rios, M., McBride, M.E., Neumar, R.W., Previdi, J.K., Uzendu, A., Sasson, C. and American Heart Association, 2024. The American Heart Association emergency cardiovascular care 2030 impact goals and call to action to improve cardiac arrest outcomes: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 149(8), pp.e914-e933.