EMT Paramedic

A comprehensive study of skills and knowledge needed for Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic certification exams.

Patient AssessmentAirway ManagementBasic Life Support (BLS)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)Trauma ManagementPharmacology for Paramedics
Managing Medical EmergenciesPrehospital Child and Infant CareEffective Team Communication
Test-Taking Skills for EMT/Paramedic ExamsManaging Exam Stress
Patient AssessmentAirway ManagementBasic Life Support (...Advanced Cardiac Lif...Trauma ManagementPharmacology for Par...Managing Medical Eme...Prehospital Child an...Effective Team Commu...Test-Taking Skills f...Managing Exam Stress
Basic Concepts

Basic Life Support (BLS)

The Essentials of Basic Life Support

Basic Life Support (BLS) refers to non-invasive emergency procedures used to treat life-threatening conditions, especially cardiac arrest and respiratory failure.

BLS Components

  • Chest Compressions: High-quality, uninterrupted compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute.
  • Ventilations: Providing breaths with a barrier device or bag-valve mask.
  • AED Use: Automated External Defibrillator for sudden cardiac arrest.

Chain of Survival

  • Early recognition
  • Immediate CPR
  • Rapid defibrillation
  • Advanced life support
  • Integrated post-cardiac arrest care

BLS in Action

BLS skills are vital during emergencies in the community, workplace, or at home. Quick action can double or triple survival rates for cardiac arrest victims.

Examples

  • A bystander collapses at the mall; the EMT initiates chest compressions and uses the AED.

  • After a near-drowning, the paramedic provides rescue breaths and compressions until the patient regains a pulse.

In a Nutshell

BLS is the foundation of emergency care, focusing on CPR, rescue breathing, and AED use.

Next
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)