5 Essential Steps of Basic Life Support Everyone Should Know

Why Basic Life Support Matters

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people experience sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Immediate action from a bystander can double or even triple a victim's chance of survival. Basic Life Support (BLS) is the foundation of this immediate care. It's a set of simple, yet critical, procedures performed to preserve brain function and sustain life until professional medical help arrives. By learning and remembering these five essential steps, you become a vital link in the "Chain of Survival."

The 5 Essential Steps of Basic Life Support

The following steps provide a clear, actionable framework for responding to an unresponsive adult. Remember the mantra: Safety, Assess, Call, Compress, Defibrillate.

1. Ensure Scene Safety

Your safety is the absolute priority. You cannot help if you become a victim. Before rushing in, take a moment to quickly scan the environment for dangers like traffic, fire, electrical hazards, or violent individuals. If the scene is unsafe, do not enter. Call for professional help and wait at a safe distance. If you can make the scene safe (e.g., turning off electricity at the source if it's safe to do so), proceed only when confident. This step is non-negotiable.

2. Check for Responsiveness and Breathing

Approach the person and try to get a response. Tap their shoulder firmly and shout, "Are you okay?" Look for any movement or sound. Simultaneously, check for normal breathing. Tilt their head back slightly, look at their chest, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air on your cheek for no more than 10 seconds. Do not confuse occasional gasps (agonal breathing) with normal breathing. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally (or only gasping), they are in cardiac arrest and need immediate CPR.

3. Call for Emergency Help and Get an AED

If you are alone, immediately call your local emergency number (e.g., 911, 112, 999). Put the phone on speaker so you can communicate with the dispatcher while beginning CPR. Clearly state your location and the situation: "An adult is unresponsive and not breathing." The dispatcher can guide you. If another person is available, instruct them specifically: "You, call 911 and get an AED if one is available." An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a crucial device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and deliver a shock if needed.

4. Begin Chest Compressions (CPR)

This is the core action that keeps blood flowing to the brain and heart. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest (usually between the nipples). Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Keep your arms straight and your shoulders directly over your hands. Push hard and fast:

• Depth: At least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults.
• Rate: 100 to 120 compressions per minute. A good mental rhythm is the beat of the song "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees.
• Recoil: Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.

Minimize interruptions. If you are untrained or unwilling to perform rescue breaths, provide Hands-Only CPR—continuous chest compressions until help or an AED arrives.

5. Use an AED as Soon as Possible

When the AED arrives, turn it on immediately. It will provide clear voice and visual prompts. Follow them exactly:

1. Expose the person's bare chest and wipe it dry if necessary.
2. Attach the adhesive electrode pads as shown in the diagrams (one on the upper right chest, one on the lower left side).
3. Ensure no one is touching the person while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm.
4. If a shock is advised, the AED will tell you to press the shock button. Again, ensure no one is touching the victim.
5. Immediately after the shock, or if no shock is advised, resume chest compressions.

Continue the cycle of CPR and following AED prompts until emergency medical services take over, the person shows signs of life (like normal breathing), or you are too exhausted to continue.

Special Considerations and Final Thoughts

For infants and children, the sequence is similar, but techniques vary (use two fingers or two thumbs for compressions on an infant, and provide breaths if trained). For a choking victim who is conscious, abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) are used. The most important takeaway is to act. Even imperfect CPR is far better than no CPR at all. Taking a certified BLS or CPR course from organizations like the American Heart Association or Red Cross is highly recommended for hands-on practice and certification. Empower yourself with this knowledge—you have the potential to save a life.