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HEALTH & WELL BEING Basic Life Support Training (BLS): fotinakis final.pdf 2 13/9/22 1:13 PM

A brief overview

One of the most important things one Why is BLS training useful?
should know when it comes to medical
first aid is cardiopulmonary resuscita- BLS can be used in case of a heart attack, drowning, hypothermia, trauma, and any
tion (CPR). CPR is a lifesaving technique medical emergency that can cause cardiac arrest.
that can be used in the case of cardiac
arrest. Basic Life Support (BLS) consists BLS Algorithm
of CPR and, when available, the use of
an Automated External Defibrillator Before providing any kind of help to someone, the first step is to check for danger. C
(AED). Nevertheless, BLS is designed to Make sure that the environment is safe to approach the victim. DO NOT PUT YOUR
M
provide the much-needed circulation HEALTH AT RISK. When you verify the safety of the surroundings, approach the vic-
and oxygenation to the victim, without tim and check for any response. To do so, shake their shoulders and ask loudly, "Are Y
the use of any equipment and with no you all right?" If there is no response, have the victim lie on their back, put your CM
medical expertise. hand on the forehead and the other under the chin and tilt the head backward. By
MY
doing so, you open the patient's airway. Check for breathing by putting your cheek
close to the victim's nose and looking at the chest. Remember to LOOK (for chest CY
movement that suggests breathing), LISTEN (to the air that comes out of the victim)
CMY
and FEEL (the air on your cheek as it comes out of the nostrils). If the victim is not
breathing or is gasping, activate the emergency response system and get an AED if K
available or have someone do so. Check for a pulse, but that should not take longer
than 10 seconds but no less than 5. If you are not sure, begin CPR.
How is CPR performed?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is achieved by performing cycles of 30 chest com-
pressions and 2 rescue breaths. Place the heel of your hand over the center of the
person's chest, on the lower part of the sternum. Place the heel of your other hand
on top of the first hand. Don't forget to PUSH HARD, PUSH FAST. You need to press
down the chest at least 5 cm and maintain a rate of 100-120 compressions per
minute. Keep your elbows straight. PUSH by using your body, not by bending your
elbows. Performing excellent CPR is of the utmost importance in increasing the
chances of survival. If an AED arrives on the scene, power it on, connect the patches
to the victim, and follow the instructions. If a shock is advised, ensure that nobody
is touching the victim. After the shock is delivered, continue performing CPR. You
should continue providing help until the rescuers arrive on the spot.
Importance of CPR

Studies have shown that providing early cardiopulmonary resuscitation before EMS
arrival after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is associated with higher survival
by rates. Just a few minutes without adequate oxygen and blood supply are more than
enough to do irreversible damage to our bodies. BLS training can make a vital
Konstantinos Giannakopoulos difference. BLS training courses are available in various countries to anybody who
MD wants to get certified without medical training. Get certified and make a difference!

16 MINERVA IN FOCUS – ISSUE 22 / Q4 2022