Basic Life Support course for Health Care Professionals
Basic life support (BLS) course is a set of emergency medical procedures that can be performed by both laypeople and healthcare professionals in the event of a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening medical emergency. The goal of BLS is to provide early and effective interventions to preserve brain function and prevent death.
The BLS course typically covers a wide range of topics, including CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), AED (automated external defibrillator) use, choking management, and other emergency care procedures. The course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills they need to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
One of the key components of the BLS course is CPR training. This training teaches participants how to properly perform chest compressions and rescue breathing, which are essential for keeping oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs during a cardiac arrest. The course also covers the use of AEDs, which are portable devices that can be used to deliver an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm.
Another important aspect of the BLS course is choking management. Participants learn how to recognise the signs of choking and how to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre, which can help dislodge an object that is blocking the airway. They also learn how to use other airway obstruction techniques, like back blows and chest thrusts.
In addition to these core components, the BLS course may also cover other topics such as stroke recognition, scene safety and the use of personal protective equipment.
Overall, the BLS course is essential training for anyone who wants to be prepared to respond in emergency situations. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a first responder, or just someone who wants to be able to help in an emergency, the knowledge and skills you will gain from a BLS course can be the difference between life and death.
It is recommended to refresh the knowledge and skills gained from the BLS course regularly. It is also important to note that BLS is the minimum level of training for healthcare providers and other professionals.