1.

In the introduction section, what does the term Basic Life

Support (BLS) mean?

Basic life support is the support of life (when vital signs are absent) using non-invasive and
drug free methods, but could use electrical devices to aid, for example a defibrillator.
It involves maintaining someone’s Airway, Breathing and giving chest compressions if
necessary.

2. Under the section `Guideline Changes', what is said about

interruptions in chest compressions?

Interruptions to chest compressions are associated with a reduced chance of survival for the
patient (with a study being carried out in 2002 by Eftestol, Sunde & Steen). Ideally chest
compressions would be continuous with ventilations being performed separately.

3. What are the 5 main changes to BLS?

The main changes to the BLS guidelines (2005) are focussing on the point that a delay in
starting CPR and pauses to CPR can be detrimental to the patient

1) To assume the patient is in Cardiac Arrest if they are unresponsive and not breathing
effectively
2) To spend less time worrying about the positioning of the hands in relation to the
sternum and focus more on a central position on the chest
3) Give rescue breath for a shorter period of time (1 second instead of 2 seconds)
4) Use the revised ratio of 30:2 (chest compressions : rescue breaths) instead of 15:2 to
spend less time not doing chest compressions
5) No longer give the initial 2 rescue breaths to a patient to reduce the delay in
performing CPR

4. What is step 1 of the adult BLS sequence?

The first step of adult BLS is to check for any dangers

5. Read through the entire BLS sequence and answer the following
question: How might any of these stages differ for ambulance personnel?

Some of the stages would be omitted, for example “Shout for help”. You would not shout for
help because as part of an ambulance crew you would be expected to deal with the situation
you are presented with in a professional manner and if assistance is required you would call
for addition backup or ask your crew mate.
You would also not call 999 as you would be the ones responding to the call for help.
You may also use more advanced methods and take more time to assess the patient to
make sure they are in cardiac arrest and the diagnosis had not been made by mistake by the
person initiating CPR.

Questions

1. Why do the guidelines now omit the need for the initial rescue breaths?
2. What is the best position for a single rescuer to be in during CPR?
3. Why do you think the guidelines say “Shout for help”?

T. Richardson