Course Overview
The BLS course emphasizes hands-on practice and a clear understanding of the basic interventions that can be applied to sustain life until professional help arrives. Participants will learn life-saving techniques that are critical in emergency situations.
This certification is essential for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and anyone who wants to be prepared to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Key Components of the BLS Class
1. Chest Compressions (CPR)
Chest compressions are vital for sustaining blood flow when someone's heart has ceased. The aim is to deliver oxygenated blood to the brain and essential organs.
Techniques for Adults:
- Position on flat, firm surface with hands on center of chest
- Compress at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep at 100-120 per minute
- Allow full chest recoil between compressions
- Continue until help arrives or person recovers
Techniques for Infants (Under 1 year):
- Use two fingers just below nipple line
- Compress about 1.5 inches (4 cm) deep
- Rate of 100-120 per minute
- 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio (one rescuer) or 15:2 (two rescuers)
2. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use
An AED is a portable device that checks the heart's rhythm and can deliver a shock to restart the heart if required.
Steps:
- Turn on the AED and follow instructions
- Apply pads: one upper right chest, one lower left side
- Allow AED to analyze rhythm (no one touching person)
- Deliver shock if advised by device
- Resume CPR immediately after shock
3. Abdominal Thrusts for Choking Adults
Abdominal thrusts are used when someone is choking and unable to breathe or speak due to a blocked airway.
- Stand behind person, wrap arms around waist
- Make fist with one hand above navel, below rib cage
- Perform quick, inward and upward thrusts
- Continue until object is expelled or person breathes
- If person becomes unconscious, lower to ground and start CPR
4. Abdominal Thrusts for Choking Infants
The technique is adapted for infants due to their different anatomy.
- Hold infant face down on forearm, head lower than chest
- Deliver five firm back slaps between shoulder blades
- Turn infant onto back, perform up to five chest thrusts
- Alternate between back slaps and chest thrusts
- Continue until object expelled or professional help arrives
Certification Details
Upon successful completion of the BLS course, participants will receive a certification that is typically valid for two years. This certification is recognized by healthcare organizations and is often required for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and first responders.
This program is currently under development. Check back soon for course schedules and registration information.