Basic Life Support

Basic life supported is a temporary measure meant for providing oxygen to the heart and brain until a definitive care, such as defibrillation or ACLS, can restore normal respiratory and cardiac functions. The current AHA standards are listed in Table 12-2.


A:Assess Unresponsiveness.

*Assume that all collapsed have cardiorespiratory arrest untill proven otherwise. Gently stimulate (rub the sternum) and shout "ARE you Ok?"


A:Activate EMS (emergency medical services).

* This emphasizes the importance of early defibrillation and advanced airway management.

A:Appropriately Position the Patient.

*Roll the patient in supine position on a firm surface.

A: Airway:

* Gently open the mouth and look for foreign bodies and if possible, remove them manually.

* Open the airway with the head tilt and chin lift maneuver.

*Do not tilt the head in patient with suspected trauma, rather use the jaw thrust technique in these patients.

TABLE 12-2. Basic Life Support

    Determine unresponsiveness
    Activate emergency medical servise system
    Position the patient
    Open airway
    Determine breathlessness
    Give two breaths
    Determine pulselessness
    Begin chest compressions )80-100/min), 15:2 ratio
    Recheck pulse after four cycles
    Defibrillate as soon as possible when available and if appropriate