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Singapore Basic Cardiac Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation Guidelines 2026
Swee Han Lim1,2,3,4, Benjamin Sieu-Hon Leong3,5, Jun Hao Loke6
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
Singapore Medical Journal
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Learn essential skills for basic cardiac life support (BCLS) and automated external defibrillation (AED) to effectively manage cardiac arrest emergencies. Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and proper technique are crucial for survival.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiology
- Resuscitation Science
Background:
- Cardiac arrest requires immediate intervention to improve survival rates.
- Basic cardiac life support (BCLS) and automated external defibrillation (AED) are critical emergency response skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the essential steps and techniques for performing BCLS and utilizing an AED during a cardiac arrest.
- To provide guidance on high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and ventilation.
Main Methods:
- Recognition of cardiac arrest and immediate activation of emergency medical services (calling '995').
- Performance of high-quality chest compressions: correct hand placement, depth (4-6 cm), rate (100-120/min), and full recoil.
- Delivery of ventilations using a bag-valve-mask or other methods (2 quick breaths of 400-600 mL) after 30 compressions (or 15 for children under 12).
Main Results:
- Specific guidelines for chest compression depth, rate, and recoil are detailed.
- Ventilation techniques and volumes are specified for effective resuscitation.
- Criteria for stopping CPR are established, including return of consciousness, handover to emergency services, or AED analysis/shock.
Conclusions:
- Effective BCLS and AED utilization are vital for managing cardiac arrest.
- Adherence to recommended CPR techniques and compression-ventilation ratios maximizes resuscitation success.
- Prompt and correct application of these skills significantly impacts patient outcomes.
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