BLS
Comprehensive study of bls covering fundamental concepts and advanced applications.
Basic Concepts
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
What is CPR?
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, a vital skill that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and organs when a person's heart and breathing have stopped.
How to Perform CPR
- Chest Compressions: Place your hands on the center of the chest and push hard and fast at a rate of at least 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Rescue Breaths: After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths if you are trained and able.
- Continue: Do not stop until professional help arrives or the person shows signs of life.
Tips for Effective CPR
- Kneel close to the victim for better leverage.
- Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
- Minimize interruptions to chest compressions.
When to Use CPR
CPR is used when someone is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally (e.g., only gasping).
Examples
You perform chest compressions on someone who collapses at the park.
During a sports event, you use CPR until the ambulance arrives.
In a Nutshell
CPR keeps blood and oxygen moving when the heart stops.