Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers goes beyond standard CPR, incorporating advanced techniques and equipment use essential for professional medical settings.
BLS vs. Standard CPR
While basic CPR focuses on chest compressions and rescue breathing, BLS for healthcare providers includes:
Team-based resuscitationBag-valve mask ventilationAdvanced airway managementMedication administration supportRhythm interpretation basicsHigh-Quality CPR Components
Healthcare providers must deliver high-quality CPR with:
**Compression depth:** At least 2 inches for adults**Compression rate:** 100-120 per minute**Complete chest recoil:** Allow full chest expansion**Minimal interruptions:** Less than 10 seconds**Appropriate ventilation:** Avoid hyperventilationTeam Dynamics in BLS
Effective BLS requires clear communication and role assignments:
**Team leader:** Directs the code, makes decisions**Compressor:** Delivers high-quality chest compressions**Airway manager:** Maintains ventilation**IV/IO access:** Establishes vascular access**Medication administrator:** Prepares and gives drugsAdvanced Airway Management
Healthcare providers should be proficient with:
Bag-valve mask ventilationSupraglottic airway devicesEndotracheal intubation (advanced providers)Proper airway positioning and sizingRhythm Recognition
Basic rhythm interpretation skills include recognizing:
Ventricular fibrillation (VF)Pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT)AsystolePulseless electrical activity (PEA)Special Situations
Healthcare providers encounter unique scenarios:
**Pregnancy:** Left uterine displacement, caesarean considerations**Trauma:** C-spine precautions, massive transfusion protocols**Drowning:** Immediate ventilation priority**Overdose:** Naloxone administrationQuality Improvement
Continuous monitoring and improvement are essential:
Real-time feedback devicesPost-event debriefingSkills assessment and trainingDocumentation accuracyCertification Requirements
Healthcare BLS certification requires:
Initial training course completionSkills demonstrationWritten examinationRecertification every 2 yearsContinuing education creditsStay current with AHA guidelines, as protocols evolve based on latest evidence and research.