Basic life support clinical skill

When would you perform basic life support?

When a pt is not breathing, unconscious or has abnormal breathing

What is the mnemonic used in BLS?

DRSABCD

Whats D in DRSABCD?

Danger. Look around for danger before proceeding. This may include fluid, cables, objects, visitors.

Whats R in DRSABCD?

Response. Check for response. Give the pt simple commands such as “squeeze my hand”. If the pt doesn’t respond, squeeze their shoulders.

Whats S in DRSABCD?

Send for help. If there is no response from the pt, call for help by using the emergency call bell, yelling for help or calling the emergency response number.

Whats A in DRSABCD?

Airway. Check for obstructions in the airway. If there is foreign material in the pts mouth, turn their head and position it downwards to let it drain. If there’s no foreign material, lift their chin to the ceiling by placing one head on their forehead and the other to lift their chin.

Whats B in DRSABCD?

Breathing. Look for movement from the chest, listen for air escaping from the mouth and nose, feel for movement of air at the mouth and nose.

Whats C in DRSABCD?

Compressions. If the pt is unresponsive and not breathing, perform chest compressions.

• Pt should be placed on their back

• If pt is wearing hospital gown, remove it before compressions

• Give 2 breathes every 30 compressions

Whats D in DRSABCD?

Defibrillation

• Place one pad slightly below the clavicle on the persons right chest

• Place one pad on the persons left side below the armpit

When should you stop BLS?

• Pt responds

• Impossible to continue

• Senior hc professions tells you to stop

Equipment needed for BLS

• Bag-valve-mask

• Oxygen tubing

• Automatic external defibrillator (AED)