Important basic life support skills for care workers

Posted 1 day ago

It’s vital that care workers are equipped with the essential basic life support skills that could help them save somebody’s life. In this blog, we’ll cover the following questions: what is the purpose of basic life support? What is basic life support in care? And what does ABCD stand for in basic life support?

What is the purpose of basic life support?

Basic life support (BLS) refers to care given by first responders. This could be care workers, paramedics or more. Usually, it involves knowledge of CPR and using AEDs. In the care industry, it’s vital that staff are BLS trained, so they’re able to provide the right care in these emergency situations.

What is basic life support in care?

Emergency cardiovascular care

Emergency cardiovascular care refers to the immediate actions taken to keep blood circulating during a cardiac arrest. This critical window of time buys minutes for the person until advanced medical care arrives.

Rescue breathing

Rescue breathing, also known as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, provides oxygen to the person in cardiac arrest.

Chest compressions

Chest compressions mimic the pumping action of the heart, manually circulating blood throughout the body.

Early defibrillation

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. If available, this is a crucial piece of equipment to use.

What does ABCD stand for in basic life support?

ABCD or DRABCD stands for Danger, Response, Send, Airway, Breathing, CPR, and Defibrillation.

Danger

The person giving life support should check their surroundings for danger and make sure the patient and themselves are safe.

Response

Is the patient responsive?

Send

Send help by calling emergency services and getting support from those around the area.

Airway

Check their airways. Is there anything preventing them from breathing?

Breathing

Is the person breathing? Caregivers should look, listen and feel to see if they’re breathing.

CPR

Provide CPR if the person is not breathing.

Defibrillation

If available, use a defibrillator and follow the instructions provided.

Boost your staff’s BLS skills with iHasco

Here at iHasco, we offer a Basic Life Support in Care Training course that focuses on Standard 12 of the Care Certificate and educates users on the administration of basic life support.

The online training course can be completed in just 30 minutes and provides a printable certificate upon completion.

We also offer a range of other training courses that cover important care topics, including:

We’re already helping thousands of organisations just like yours, and we’d like to help you too. Why not check out our range of courses for the care sector today by claiming your free, no-obligation trial? Alternatively, you can request a bespoke quote and we’ll be in touch to discuss your unique training requirements.