Basic Life Support

Summary

This video demonstrates the essential steps in Basic Life Support (BLS) focusing on three key stages: checking the patient's consciousness, activating the emergency system, and performing resuscitation. The process starts by ensuring the safety of both the rescuer and patient, followed by checking the patient's responsiveness. If unresponsive, the emergency system is activated, either by calling for help or contacting emergency services. The final step involves resuscitation with the C-A-B cycle, including chest compressions and rescue breaths, to restore circulation and breathing. The video emphasizes correct technique, depth, and frequency for effective life-saving measures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the patient by securing the location before performing Basic Life Support (BLS).
• 😀 The first step in BLS is to check the patient's consciousness by calling out to them and applying a gentle shake or touch.
• 😀 If there is no response from the patient, proceed to confirm their unconsciousness by performing a sternum rub or checking for breathing.
• 😀 The second step involves activating the emergency response system. Call for help or dial emergency services if alone.
• 😀 In a hospital setting, trigger emergency codes such as 'Code Blue' to alert staff about an unresponsive patient.
• 😀 The third step is to start resuscitation with chest compressions, following the 'CAB' cycle: Compression, Airway, Breathing.
• 😀 Before starting compressions, check for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds. If uncertain, assume no pulse and proceed with chest compressions.
• 😀 For adult patients, perform chest compressions at a depth of 5-6 cm, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• 😀 Ensure full chest recoil between compressions to allow proper blood circulation during resuscitation.
• 😀 When performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, ensure a proper seal, and give breaths while watching for chest rise to confirm air is being delivered.

Q & A

What are the three main stages in Basic Life Support (BLS)?

The three main stages in Basic Life Support are: 1) Checking the patient's consciousness, 2) Activating the emergency system, and 3) Performing resuscitation using the CAB cycle.

How do you check if a patient is conscious in an emergency situation?

To check the patient's consciousness, you should call the patient's name (e.g., 'Pak Bu') and if there is no response, try gently shaking or tapping the patient. If there is still no response, check the patient's eyes and assess if they are conscious or not.

What should you do if the patient is unresponsive?

If the patient is unresponsive, you should activate the emergency system by either calling for help (e.g., shouting 'help, help, unconscious patient') or, if alone, calling the emergency number (e.g., a hospital). If you're at a hospital, you can trigger an emergency code like 'Code Blue'.

How do you check for a pulse during Basic Life Support?

To check for a pulse, you must check for a pulse for a maximum of 10 seconds. If you're unsure during this time, assume the patient has no pulse and proceed with resuscitation.

What is the chest compression rate and depth for adult patients?

For adult patients, the chest compression rate should be 100-120 compressions per minute, with a depth of 5-6 cm. Ensure that the chest fully expands after each compression.

What is meant by 'perfect recoil' in chest compressions?

Perfect recoil means that after performing chest compressions, the chest should fully expand (recoil) before starting the next compression. This ensures the heart has time to fill with blood during the decompression phase.

What is the proper hand placement for performing chest compressions?

The hands should be placed on the lower half of the sternum, with fingers interlocked and using the heels of both hands. The arms should be straight, and the position should be maintained while applying compressions.

How do you perform rescue breaths during Basic Life Support?

To perform rescue breaths, open the patient’s airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Pinch the patient's nose, cover their mouth with your own, and blow air into their lungs. Ensure the chest rises with each breath, indicating the breath was effective.

How should you perform CPR for a patient without adequate breathing?

If the patient is not breathing adequately, you should perform rescue breaths by blowing air into the patient's lungs. Continue to evaluate the patient and repeat the breaths approximately every 6 seconds (or 10 breaths per minute).

What should you do if a patient does not respond to rescue breaths?

If the patient does not respond to rescue breaths and their condition does not improve, continue performing chest compressions and rescue breaths. Keep reassessing the patient to ensure you're providing the appropriate life-saving measures until emergency help arrives.