Basic Life Support (BLS)

What would you do if a friend suddenly fell to the ground while playing at school or in the park? This is precisely where Basic Life Support (BLS) comes into play. Basic Life Support is a crucial first aid skill that can save lives. Let’s learn this life-saving knowledge step by step!

❤️‍🩹What Is Basic Life Support?

Basic Life Support is a first aid procedure performed on a person who is not breathing or whose heart has stopped, without using medication or specialized equipment. The goal is to restore breathing and heart function, thereby bringing the person back to life.

🔎When Is It Performed?

Basic Life Support is performed when a person exhibits any of the following conditions:

🧠 Unconscious (shows no response when spoken to or shaken),

🫁 Not breathing or breathing abnormally,

🫀 Heartbeat has stopped.

🧍🏽‍♂️What Position Is Used?

Basic Life Support must be performed on a firm, flat surface. First, lay the person flat on their back. Then apply compressions perpendicular to the center of the sternum for chest compressions.

👣Steps of Basic Life Support

When performing BLS, follow the steps in order. These steps are commonly summarized by the “ABC” rule:

1️⃣ Ensure Scene Safety:

First, assess the surroundings for any dangers. Only approach the person once it is safe to do so.

2️⃣ Check Consciousness:

Gently shake the person’s shoulder and ask, “Are you alright?” If there is no response, call for help immediately.

3️⃣ Call 112:

If someone is nearby, instruct them to call the 112 Emergency Call Center immediately. If you are alone, call 112 first, then begin intervention.

4️⃣ Open the Airway (A – Airway)

Tilt the head back and lift the chin. Remove any visible foreign objects from the mouth.

5️⃣ Check for Breathing (B – Breathing)

Use the “Look, Listen, Feel” method for 10 seconds. If there is no breathing, proceed to the next step.

6️⃣ Begin Chest Compressions (C – Circulation)

For adults: Place the heel of both hands on the center of the sternum. Perform 100–120 compressions per minute. Follow the 30 compressions to 2 breaths ratio.

7️⃣ Provide Rescue Breaths

Maintain the head-tilt chin-lift position. Deliver two breaths, either mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose. You should see the chest rise with each breath.

👨‍👩‍👧 Differences in Adults, Children, and Infants

For Adults:

🔻 Place the heel of both hands on the center of the chest.

🔻 Perform 30 compressions to depress the chest 5–6 cm.

🔻 Give 2 rescue breaths.

For Children (1–8 years):

🔻 Use one or two hands for compressions.

🔻 Compress the chest to a depth of about one-third of the chest height (approximately 4–5 cm).

For Infants (0–1 year):

🔻 Use only two fingers to compress the center of the chest.

🔻 Compress the chest to a depth of about one-third (approximately 3–4 cm).

🔻 When giving breaths, cover both the mouth and nose with your mouth.

📚 How Is Basic Life Support Learned?

BLS is not learned by reading alone—it requires hands-on training. School-based first aid courses, programs offered by the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Health, instructional videos, and simulations all help in acquiring this skill. The more practice performed, the faster and more accurately one can respond in an emergency.