Basic Life Support

 BLS

Basic Life Support

Chan of survival

Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save the lives of victims in cardiac arrest. Two-thirds of heart attack victims (due to heart disease) die outside the hospital, most within two hours of the onset of symptoms. Though CPR itself is not enough to save the life of a victim of heart attack, it is a vital link in the chain of survival.

The chain of survival has four links and the patient’s chances for surviving are the greatest when all the links come together.

1.   Early access

If access of a first aider may be possible on the time of attack and provide the CPR the survival of patient’s chance increase.

2.   Early CPR

Early CPR can save the lives of victims in cardiac arrest, but the first aider has the knowledge and training of CPR.

3.   Early defibrillation

It is most likely improving survival. It is the key intervention to increase the chances of survival of the patients.

4.   Early advanced care

If advanced care provided by highly trained personnel like paramedics, provision of advanced care, outside the hospital would be possible.

The need for these interventions should not be limited to victims of heart disease. Many victims of drowning, trauma, electrocution, suffocation, airway obstruction, allergic reaction, etc, may be saved by prompt intervention.

Heart attack risk factors

Risk factors that cannot be changed:-

·        Family History

·        Sex

·        Ethnic Background

·        Age

Risk factors that can be changed:-

·        Smoking

·        High Blood Pressure

·        High Cholesterol

·        Physical Activity

Contributing Factors:-

·        Obesity

·        Diabetes

·        Excessive Stress