Complete BLS Skills Checklist for Certification

Introduction to BLS and the Skills Checklist

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a crucial skillset for healthcare professionals and anyone who wants to be prepared to respond to life-threatening emergencies. This BLS skills checklist outlines the essential procedures you’ll need to master for your BLS certification. Successfully completing these skills can make the difference between life and death for someone experiencing cardiac arrest, choking, or other emergencies. This guide will walk you through each component of the checklist, providing clarity and resources to help you prepare. Consider it your roadmap to becoming a confident and competent BLS provider.

Before diving into the specific skills, it’s important to understand the core principles of BLS: early recognition, early activation of the emergency response system, early CPR, and early defibrillation. These four links in the chain of survival significantly increase the chances of a positive outcome. The American Heart Association (AHA) offers comprehensive BLS training programs that cover these principles and provide hands-on practice. Learn more at the AHA website.

Assessment and Activation of Emergency Response

The initial steps are critical. Before initiating any interventions, you must first assess the situation and activate the emergency response system.

• Scene Safety: Ensure the environment is safe for both you and the victim. This includes assessing for hazards like traffic, fire, or potential violence.
• Check for Responsiveness: Gently tap the person and shout, “Are you okay?” Observe for any signs of response, such as movement, sounds, or eye-opening.
• Activate Emergency Response: If the person is unresponsive, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) and retrieve an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available. If you are alone, perform these steps yourself. If others are present, delegate these tasks.
• Check for Breathing and Pulse: Simultaneously check for breathing and pulse for no more than 10 seconds. Look for chest rise and fall, and feel for a carotid pulse in the neck.

Important: If the person is not breathing or only gasping, and has no pulse (or you are unsure about the pulse), immediately begin chest compressions.

Chest Compressions

Effective chest compressions are the cornerstone of CPR. The goal is to circulate blood to the vital organs until more advanced medical help arrives.

• Hand Placement: Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person’s chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first, interlacing your fingers.
• Body Position: Position yourself directly over the person’s chest, with your arms straight and elbows locked. Use your body weight to deliver compressions.
• Compression Depth: Compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) for adults. For children and infants, adjust the depth accordingly (about 1/3 the depth of the chest).
• Compression Rate: Deliver compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. This is approximately the tempo of the song “Stayin’ Alive.”
• Allow Complete Recoil: After each compression, allow the chest to fully recoil to its normal position. This allows the heart to refill with blood.

Remember: High-quality chest compressions are vital. Focus on proper depth, rate, and recoil.

Rescue Breaths

Providing rescue breaths delivers oxygen to the person’s lungs when they are unable to breathe on their own.

• Open the Airway: Use the head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver to open the airway. Place one hand on the forehead and gently tilt the head back. Place the fingers of your other hand under the chin and lift the chin forward.
• Seal and Breathe: Pinch the person’s nose closed with your thumb and index finger. Take a normal breath, seal your mouth over the person’s mouth, and give two rescue breaths. Each breath should last about 1 second and cause the chest to rise visibly.
• CPR Ratio: Continue chest compressions and rescue breaths in a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths.

Note: If you are uncomfortable giving rescue breaths, you can perform compression-only CPR. This is still better than doing nothing.

Using an AED

An AED can deliver an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in cases of ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.

• Turn on the AED: Power on the AED and follow the voice prompts.
• Attach the Pads: Attach the AED pads to the person’s bare chest as indicated on the pads. Typically, one pad is placed on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side.
• Analyze Rhythm: Ensure that no one is touching the person while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm. The AED will tell you whether a shock is advised.
• Deliver Shock (if advised): If a shock is advised, shout “Clear!” to ensure that no one is touching the person. Press the shock button as directed by the AED.
• Continue CPR: Immediately resume chest compressions and rescue breaths after delivering the shock. Continue until the AED prompts you to stop or until emergency medical services arrive.

Important: Follow the AED’s voice prompts carefully. Early defibrillation is critical for survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. You can find more information on AED use on the FDA website: FDA AED Information

Relieving Choking

Knowing how to relieve choking can be life saving. The BLS skills checklist also involves identifying and treating someone who is choking. The most important thing to determine if the person can speak or cough. If they are making noise they are still moving air, and you want to encourage coughing.

• Heimlich Maneuver: If they cannot speak or cough, then do the Heimlich maneuver. Start by standing behind the victim.
• Heimlich Maneuver: Wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against the victim’s abdomen, slightly above the navel. Grasp your fist with your other hand.
• Heimlich Maneuver: Give quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen. Each thrust should be a distinct attempt to dislodge the object. Continue until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unresponsive.
• Unresponsive Victim: If the victim becomes unresponsive, lower them to the ground and begin CPR. Each time you open the airway to give breaths, look for the obstruction and remove it if visible.

Important: For pregnant women or very obese individuals, perform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. Place your arms under the victim’s armpits and around the chest. Give quick, backward thrusts.

Infant BLS

BLS for infants differs from adults. Here’s a brief overview:

• Responsiveness: Check responsiveness by gently tapping the infant’s foot.
• Compression Depth: Compress the chest about 1/3 the depth of the chest. Use two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.
• Compression Rate: Maintain a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Rescue Breaths: Cover the infant’s mouth and nose with your mouth and give gentle breaths.
• Choking: For choking infants, deliver five back slaps followed by five chest thrusts.

Remember: Seek specialized training for infant BLS.

Post-Resuscitation Care

Once the person has been resuscitated, it’s crucial to provide post-resuscitation care until emergency medical services arrive.

• Monitor Breathing and Pulse: Continuously monitor the person’s breathing and pulse.
• Maintain Airway: Ensure the airway remains open and clear.
• Provide Emotional Support: Reassure the person and provide emotional support.
• Document Events: Document the events that occurred during the resuscitation attempt.

Finding a BLS Certification Course

Earning your BLS certification demonstrates your competence in these life-saving skills. Here’s how to find a course:

• American Heart Association (AHA): The AHA is a leading provider of BLS training. Visit their website to find a course near you.
• American Red Cross: The Red Cross also offers BLS courses. Check their website for locations and schedules.
• Local Hospitals and Training Centers: Many hospitals and medical training centers offer BLS courses. Contact them directly for information.

Enroll Now: Taking a BLS course is an investment in your ability to save lives. Search online for “BLS Certification Near Me” to find convenient training options. Get Certified today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between CPR and BLS?

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a component of BLS (Basic Life Support). BLS encompasses a broader range of skills, including assessment, airway management, and AED use.

How long is a BLS certification valid?

A BLS certification typically lasts for two years. You will need to renew your certification before it expires to remain current.

Can I get BLS certified online?

While some online courses offer information about BLS, a hands-on skills check is typically required for full certification. Look for blended learning options that combine online learning with in-person skills sessions.

What if I’m uncomfortable giving rescue breaths?

Compression-only CPR is an acceptable alternative if you are uncomfortable giving rescue breaths. Focus on providing high-quality chest compressions.

Do I need to be a healthcare professional to get BLS certified?

No, anyone can get BLS certified. It’s a valuable skill for anyone who wants to be prepared to respond to emergencies.

What is an AED?

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a portable device that can deliver an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in cases of ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.

Where can I find an AED in public?

AEDs are often located in public places such as airports, shopping malls, schools, and office buildings. Look for AED signs or ask security personnel for assistance.

What should I do after providing BLS?

After providing BLS, document the events that occurred during the resuscitation attempt. Provide a report to EMS when they arrive and follow their instructions.