Lesson 6.4: Basic Life Support, AED, and Choking

Lesson 6.4: Basic Life Support, AED, and Choking

BLS and choking management appear as standalone stations and as part of emergency scenarios. The Resuscitation Council UK guidelines (2021) are the standard.

Adult BLS — Resuscitation Council UK 2021

1. SAFE approach: check for danger to yourself and others. Shout for help.
2. Check responsiveness: shout 'Are you okay?' and shake shoulders gently.
3. If unresponsive: shout for help. Call 999. Send someone for the AED.
4. Open airway: head-tilt chin-lift. Jaw thrust if cervical spine injury is suspected.
5. Look, listen, feel for normal breathing: no more than 10 seconds.
6. If NOT breathing normally: start CPR. 30 compressions : 2 rescue breaths.

7. When AED arrives: switch on, attach pads (right clavicle / left lateral chest), follow voice prompts exactly.
8. AED charges: stand clear, ensure no contact with patient, deliver shock.
9. Resume CPR immediately for 2 minutes after each shock — before re-analysis.
10. Continue until: signs of life, trained help takes over, or physical exhaustion.

Recovery Position

For an unconscious patient who is breathing normally: roll onto their side, tilt head back to maintain airway, upper arm and leg propped forward for stability. Check breathing every minute.

Adult Choking — Conscious Patient

1. Effective cough present: encourage coughing. Do not interfere.
2. Ineffective cough: give 5 back blows (heel of hand between shoulder blades). Check mouth after each.
3. Back blows fail: give 5 abdominal thrusts (stand behind, lean patient forward, interlock hands below xiphisternum, pull sharply inward and upward).
4. Alternate: 5 back blows then 5 abdominal thrusts. Check mouth after each set.
5. If patient becomes unconscious: lower to ground, call 999, begin CPR. Check mouth for visible obstruction each time you open the airway.