EMT

EMT covers the essential skills and knowledge required for emergency medical technicians to provide critical care in emergency situations.

Introduction to Emergency Medical ServicesPatient Assessment and Primary SurveyBasic Life Support (BLS) Skills
Trauma Care and ManagementMedical Emergencies and Special PopulationsPatient Transport and Communication
Scene Safety and Personal ProtectionHands-On BLS and Airway ManagementReal-World Emergency Scenarios
Mastering Multiple-Choice ExamsStaying Calm Under Pressure
Introduction to Emer...Patient Assessment a...Basic Life Support (...Trauma Care and Mana...Medical Emergencies ...Patient Transport an...Scene Safety and Per...Hands-On BLS and Air...Real-World Emergency...Mastering Multiple-C...Staying Calm Under P...
Basic Concepts

Basic Life Support (BLS) Skills

What is Basic Life Support?

Basic Life Support (BLS) includes the essential techniques EMTs use to keep patients alive until they reach advanced care. These skills focus on maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation.

Key BLS Techniques

  • CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): Chest compressions and rescue breaths to revive the heart and lungs.
  • AED (Automated External Defibrillator): A device that can restart the heart in cases of cardiac arrest.
  • Choking Relief: Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) to clear blocked airways.

Why BLS Matters

Quick, effective BLS can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival. EMTs must master these skills and practice them regularly.

Steps to Perform CPR

  1. Ensure the scene is safe.
  2. Check for responsiveness and breathing.
  3. Call for help and get an AED.
  4. Start chest compressions (at least 2 inches deep, 100-120 per minute).
  5. Give rescue breaths if trained.
  6. Use the AED as soon as it arrives.

Examples

  • An EMT performs CPR on a person who collapsed while jogging.

  • A team of EMTs uses an AED to restore a normal heart rhythm in a mall shopper.

In a Nutshell

BLS skills are vital actions that keep patients alive in critical situations.

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Trauma Care and Management