BLS

Comprehensive study of bls covering fundamental concepts and advanced applications.

What is BLS?The ABCs: Airway, Breathing, CirculationCPR: Chest Compressions and Rescue Breaths
Using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)Special Situations: Choking and DrowningTeam Dynamics and Communication in BLS
BLS in Schools and SportsBLS at Home and in the CommunityHow to Get Certified in BLS
Staying Calm Under PressureEffective BLS Practice and Preparation
What is BLS?The ABCs: Airway, Br...CPR: Chest Compressi...Using an AED (Automa...Special Situations: ...Team Dynamics and Co...BLS in Schools and S...BLS at Home and in t...How to Get Certified...Staying Calm Under P...Effective BLS Practi...
Basic Concepts

CPR: Chest Compressions and Rescue Breaths

The Heart of BLS: CPR

CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, keeps oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and organs when the heart stops. It combines chest compressions with rescue breaths.

How to Do CPR

  1. Chest Compressions: Place hands in the center of the chest. Push hard and fast at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute and a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm).
  2. Rescue Breaths: After every 30 compressions, give 2 breaths. Tilt the head, lift the chin, pinch the nose, and blow into the mouth.

If you’re not trained or not comfortable with rescue breaths, performing hands-only CPR (just compressions) is still very helpful.

Handy Tips

  • Push to the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive!”
  • Let the chest rise fully between compressions.

Examples

  • A student performs hands-only CPR on someone who is unresponsive and not breathing.

  • After 30 compressions, a nurse gives 2 quick rescue breaths during CPR.

In a Nutshell

CPR keeps blood and oxygen flowing during cardiac arrest until help arrives.

Next
Using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)