Basic Life Support Course

Lesson 1 • The Chain of Survival Concept

Introduces the sequential links from recognition to advanced care. Understanding this framework anchors every subsequent skill in a system-level context.

Lesson 2 • Scene Safety and Initial Assessment

Teaches systematic scene evaluation before patient contact. Ensures rescuers protect themselves while gathering critical information quickly.

Lesson 3 • Legal and Ethical Principles in BLS

Addresses consent, duty to act, and Good Samaritan protections. Removes hesitation by clarifying the rescuer's legal standing in emergency response.

Lesson 1 • Chest Compression Fundamentals

Teaches rate, depth, recoil, and interruption limits for adult compressions. Each parameter is linked to its physiological impact on cardiac output.

Lesson 2 • Airway Opening Techniques

Covers head-tilt chin-lift and jaw-thrust maneuvers for airway management. Correct technique prevents airway obstruction during ventilation attempts.

Lesson 3 • Positioning the Rescuer and Patient

Establishes correct body alignment for effective force transfer during compressions. Proper positioning prevents rescuer fatigue and maximizes compression depth.

Lesson 4 • Integrating Compressions and Ventilations

Combines compression and ventilation cycles into a continuous, coordinated sequence. Smooth integration reduces interruptions and maintains perfusion pressure.

Lesson 1 • Defibrillation Science and Rationale

Explains ventricular fibrillation, shockable rhythms, and time-to-shock survival curves. Establishes why early defibrillation is the single most impactful BLS intervention.

Lesson 2 • Pad Placement and Skin Preparation

Covers correct pad positions for adults and special anatomical considerations. Proper placement ensures adequate current delivery through the myocardium.

Lesson 3 • CPR and AED Coordination

Integrates AED operation into uninterrupted CPR cycles with minimal pause. Smooth handoffs between compressions and AED analysis optimize resuscitation quality.

Lesson 4 • AED Device Familiarization

Introduces common AED designs, controls, and audio-visual prompts. Familiarity with device layout reduces hesitation during high-stress deployment.

Lesson 1 • Child CPR Technique

Covers one-hand and two-hand compression options scaled to child size. Adapting force and depth prevents injury while maintaining effective perfusion.

Lesson 2 • Pediatric Anatomy and Arrest Causes

Highlights key anatomical differences and the predominance of respiratory arrest in children. Understanding etiology guides the emphasis on ventilation in pediatric BLS.

Lesson 3 • Activating EMS for Pediatric Emergencies

Explains the lone-rescuer sequence adjustment for children: two minutes of CPR before calling. Prioritizing ventilation before EMS activation reflects pediatric arrest physiology.

Lesson 4 • Pediatric AED Considerations

Addresses pediatric pad use, dose-attenuating systems, and age-based device selection. Correct equipment choice ensures safe energy delivery to smaller patients.

Lesson 1 • Managing the Unconscious Choking Patient

Transitions from conscious obstruction management to CPR when the patient loses consciousness. Integrates finger sweeps and airway checks into the CPR sequence.

Lesson 2 • Abdominal Thrusts for Adults and Children

Teaches the Heimlich maneuver technique, hand placement, and thrust force for conscious patients. Correct execution dislodges obstructions without causing abdominal injury.

Lesson 3 • Recognizing Airway Obstruction Severity

Distinguishes mild from severe obstruction using universal choking signs and patient behavior. Accurate recognition determines whether intervention is immediately required.

Lesson 1 • Compression Rotation and Rescuer Fatigue

Addresses compression quality degradation over time and the protocol for smooth rotation. Timely switches maintain depth and rate without prolonged pauses.

Lesson 2 • Role Assignment in Two-Rescuer CPR

Defines compressor and ventilator roles and the criteria for initial assignment. Clear role delineation prevents duplication and gaps in resuscitation coverage.

Lesson 3 • Closed-Loop Communication in Resuscitation

Teaches directed communication, read-back confirmation, and situational updates. Structured communication reduces errors and keeps all team members informed.

Lesson 1 • Opioid-Associated Respiratory Arrest

Identifies opioid overdose signs and the role of naloxone alongside BLS. Ventilation support is the primary intervention before and after naloxone administration.

Lesson 2 • Pregnancy and Obesity Adaptations

Adjusts hand placement, patient positioning, and thrust techniques for pregnant and obese patients. Anatomical changes require modified approaches to maintain effectiveness.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Injury and Trauma Arrest

Covers scene safety priorities and BLS modifications for electrocution and traumatic arrest. Rescuer safety and rapid defibrillation are paramount in electrical emergencies.

Lesson 4 • Suspected Spinal Injury Management

Modifies airway opening and patient movement when spinal injury is possible. Jaw-thrust and minimal movement protect the cord while maintaining airway patency.

Lesson 1 • Measuring CPR Quality Metrics

Defines quantitative benchmarks for rate, depth, recoil, and fraction. Objective metrics enable rescuers to self-assess and accept corrective feedback.

Lesson 2 • Post-Resuscitation Emotional Support

Addresses psychological impact on rescuers after resuscitation attempts, successful or not. Recognizing stress responses and accessing support preserves rescuer well-being.

Lesson 3 • Structured Debriefing After Resuscitation

Covers hot and cold debriefing formats and their application after real or simulated events. Systematic debriefing converts experience into lasting performance improvement.

Lesson 4 • Feedback Devices and Technology

Introduces real-time CPR feedback devices and their role in skill correction. Technology-assisted feedback accelerates skill acquisition and reduces performance drift.