"The American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) course is designed to provide healthcare professionals and other personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize life-threatening emergencies, perform CPR, use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and relieve choking in a safe, timely, and effective manner. This course emphasizes the importance of high-quality CPR, teamwork, and communication in the healthcare setting. Participants will learn to assess and respond to cardiac and respiratory emergencies in adults, children, and infants, and will receive certification upon successful completion of the course."
The curriculum of the American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) course typically includes the following topics:
1. Introduction to Basic Life Support: Overview of the BLS course objectives, importance of high-quality CPR, and recognition of life-threatening emergencies.
2. CPR for Adults, Children, and Infants: Hands-on training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques, including chest compressions and rescue breathing for adults, children, and infants.
3. Use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): Instruction on how to properly use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to deliver a shock to a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
4. Relief of Choking: Techniques for relieving choking in conscious and unconscious adults, children, and infants.
5. Team Dynamics: Emphasis on effective teamwork, communication, and coordination during resuscitation efforts in a healthcare setting.
6. Case Scenarios: Practical application of BLS skills through simulated emergency scenarios, allowing participants to integrate their knowledge and skills in real-life situations.
7. Written Exam: Assessment of participants' understanding of BLS concepts through a written exam.
8. Skills Check: Demonstration of proficiency in BLS skills, including CPR, AED use, and relief of choking, through a skills check conducted by a certified instructor.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certification card valid for a specified period, typically two years, indicating their proficiency in BLS techniques.