. Basic First Aid .

Basic Life Support (BLS) comprises the simple, yet lifesaving, actions that need to be taken in the event of a medical emergency. It comprises

  • Recognition and management of an unconscious person
  • Recovery position
  • Recognising cardiac arrest
  • Performing Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Recognition and treatment of choking
  • Recognition and treatment of a heart attack
  • Recognition and treatment of major bleeding

While full training in first aid takes some time, it is possible to learn the basic principles, enough to keep someone alive, in a course lasting just 2-3 hours. This is the core of BLS training.