Adult Basic Life Support (BLS) Algorithm

The Adult BLS (Basic Life Support) algorithm is a series of steps that helps you respond quickly and effectively during an emergency or when an adult’s heart stops beating. This structured and clear approach helps individuals take prompt action and keep the person’s blood and oxygen flowing until professional help arrives.

It’s all about staying calm, acting quickly, and ensuring that the person gets the right help. Follow the steps below to make a significant difference in saving someone’s life during a critical moment.

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Step-by-Step Analysis of the Flowchart

Scene Safety
Before helping, quickly ensure the area is safe. This protects both you and the victim from further harm.
Check for Responsiveness
Tap and speak to the person. If they respond, stay with them and monitor. If unresponsive, move to the next step quickly.
Activate Emergency Help
Call emergency services (e.g., 911) immediately. If you’re not alone, ask someone to call and bring an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available.
Check Breathing and Pulse
Look for normal breathing and check the carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds. If either is absent, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) right away.
Start Chest Compressions
Place your hands in the center of the chest. Push hard and fast—2 inches deep at 100–120 compressions per minute. Let the chest fully recoil between compressions.
Give Rescue Breaths
After 30 compressions, give 2 breaths using the head-tilt, chin-lift method. Make sure the chest rises with each breath.
Use the AED
Turn on the AED and follow the prompts. Attach the pads to the upper right and lower left chest. Allow the device to analyze the rhythm.
Resume CPR
If a shock is advised, deliver it and continue CPR immediately. Repeat AED analysis every 2 minutes until help arrives or the person recovers.

Highlights Of The Adult BLS Algorithm

Compression Depth
Compression depth refers to how far you press down on the person’s chest during CPR.
Compression Frequency
Compression frequency is the speed at which you perform chest compressions.
Rescue Breaths
Rescue breaths are breaths you give to someone who is not breathing.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
An AED is a portable device that shocks the heart back to a normal rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest
AED Pads
AED pads are adhesive patches that you place on the person’s chest. They connect to the AED and send electrical signals to analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if needed, deliver a shock to restore normal heart function.

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