Basic Life Support (BLS) is a level of first-aid resuscitation that can be used in emergency situations until victims are

placed into the care of medical professionals. Knowing the proper steps for providing Basic Life Support could mean the difference between life and death.

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Web definitions an emergency procedure consisting of external cardiac massage and artificial respiration;

the first treatment for a person who has collapsed and has no pulse and has stopped breathing;
attempts to restore circulation of the blood and prevent death or brain damage due to lack of oxygen

WHY LEARN CPR? Cardiac arrests are more common than you think, and they can happen to anyone at any time, anywhere without warning. Many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors. Almost 80% of out-of-the hospital cardiac arrests occur at home and are witnessed by a family member.

Unfortunately, less than 10% of sudden cardiac arrest victims survive because majority of those witnessing the arrest are people who do not know how to perform CPR.

1 2 3 4 5 The term Chain of Survival provides a useful metaphor for the elements of the Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) systems concept. The 5 links in the adult Chain of Survival are 1. Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system

2. Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an emphasis on chest compressions

3. Rapid defibrillation 4. Effective advanced life support 5. Integrated post-cardiac arrest care A strong Chain of Survival can improve chances of survival and recovery for victims of heart attack, stroke and other emergencies.

HANDS-ONLY CPR (CPR FOR LAY/ UNTRAINED RESCUERS)

1. Survey the scene to see if its safe to do CPR. 2. Check victims unresponsiveness. If unresponsive, roll victim on his/her back. 3. Call for help; call 117; activate the emergency medical services; call for an ambulance/doctor.(name, designation, place, situation) 4. Start chest compressions. Place the heel of your hand on the center of the victims chest. Put your other hand on top of the first with your fingers interlaced. 5. Press down and compress the chest at least 2 inches in adults. Allow complete recoil after each compression. Compress continuously with both hands at a rate of 100/minute or more (Compress to the tune of Bee Gees song Stayin Alive.) 6. Continue this Hands Only CPR do continuous chest compressions until help arrives, an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available or the emergency personnel arrives, or the victim is revived back to life.

The potential to produce blood flow for a sudden cardiac arrest victim is in large part determined by the peak power of the compression.

Factors determining the power of the compression are the force of the compression, the depth of the compression, and the duration that the compression is held at maximum depth.

Dont be afraid; your actions can only help. If you see an unresponsive adult who is not breathing or not breathing normally, do Hands-Only CPR instructional video. - push hard and fast on the center of the chest.

POCKET MASK