BLS

Comprehensive study of bls covering fundamental concepts and advanced applications.

Basic Concepts

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

What is CPR?

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, a vital skill that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and organs when a person's heart and breathing have stopped.

How to Perform CPR

  • Chest Compressions: Place your hands on the center of the chest and push hard and fast at a rate of at least 100-120 compressions per minute.
  • Rescue Breaths: After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths if you are trained and able.
  • Continue: Do not stop until professional help arrives or the person shows signs of life.

Tips for Effective CPR

  • Kneel close to the victim for better leverage.
  • Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
  • Minimize interruptions to chest compressions.

When to Use CPR

CPR is used when someone is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally (e.g., only gasping).

Examples

  • You perform chest compressions on someone who collapses at the park.

  • During a sports event, you use CPR until the ambulance arrives.

In a Nutshell

CPR keeps blood and oxygen moving when the heart stops.