This information provides a general overview of BLS. It is not a substitute for certified training. Proper BLS training includes hands-on practice, feedback from certified instructors, and certification upon successful completion.

PRIORITY #1: ACTIVATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE

• Call First: The very first action in most BLS scenarios is to call for help. In Canada, dial 911.  
• If you are alone, call 911 before providing care to an unresponsive adult who is not breathing or only gasping.
• If someone else is present, delegate the task of calling 911.
• Provide the dispatcher with clear information:
  • Your location
  • The nature of the emergency
  • The number of victims
• Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to.

Then, if needed, proceed with the following BLS steps:

• Scene Safety: Ensure the area is safe for both you and the victim before approaching.  

• Responsiveness Check:

  • Gently tap or shake the person’s shoulder.
  • Shout, “Are you okay?”
  • Observe for any response (movement, speaking, etc.).   

• Breathing Check:

  • Look for chest rise and fall for no more than 10 seconds.
  • If the person is not breathing or only gasping, proceed to CPR.  

• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation):

  • Call 911 (if not already done).
  • Chest Compressions:
    • Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest.
    • Interlock your fingers.
    • Compress the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
    • Compress to a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) in adults.
  • Cycles:
    • Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (if trained).

• Rescue Breaths (If Trained):

  • If trained, after opening the airway, give 2 rescue breaths.
  • Each breath should last about 1 second and make the chest rise.

• AED (Automated External Defibrillator):

  • If an AED is available, retrieve and use it as soon as possible.
  • Follow the device’s voice prompts.

• Choking:

  • BLS also includes techniques to relieve choking, such as abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).

• Recovery Position:

  • If the person regains consciousness and is breathing normally, and you’re sure there are no spinal injuries, carefully place them in the recovery position to help keep the airway open.

These steps outline the core actions of Basic Life Support (BLS) to assist someone in a life-threatening emergency. Remember, this is a simplified guide. Formal BLS training is crucial for proper technique and certification.

BLS Steps

(1) Call Emergency Number

• Immediately dial the appropriate emergency number (911 in most of Canada) to activate the emergency medical system.
• Provide the dispatcher with the location, the situation, and the number of victims.
• Don’t hang up until instructed.

(2) Check Responsiveness

• Gently tap or shake the person’s shoulder.
• Shout, “Are you okay?”
• Observe for any response (movement, speaking, etc.).

(3) Check Breathing

• Look for chest rise and fall for no more than 10 seconds.
• If the person is not breathing or only gasping, proceed to CPR.

(4) Give Rescue Breaths (If Trained)

• If trained, after opening the airway, give 2 rescue breaths.
• Each breath should last about 1 second and make the chest rise.

(5) Perform CPR

• Chest Compressions:
  
  • Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest.
  • Interlock your fingers.
  • Compress the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
  • Compress to a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) in adults.
• Cycles:
  
  • Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (if trained).

(6) Turn On Side (Recovery Position)

• If the person regains consciousness and is breathing normally, and you’re sure there are no spinal injuries, carefully place them in the recovery position.
• This helps keep the airway open.

Important Reminders:

• AED (Automated External Defibrillator): If an AED is available, use it as soon as possible and follow the device’s prompts.
• Continue: Keep performing BLS until emergency services arrive or the person recovers.
• Training is Key: This guide is for informational purposes only. Enroll in a certified BLS course to learn these skills properly.

BLS is typically used in emergencies such as:

• Cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating)
• Respiratory arrest (when breathing stops)
• Choking
• Unresponsiveness