Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: basic life support skills: 1

Basic life support (BLS) is potentially life-saving and unnecessary delays in starting BLS must be avoided. Sudden cardiac death occurs within 1 hour of symptoms in 40% of patients, and in 60% of young/middle-aged patients. BLS can support the casualty and save lives. Bystanders, including nurse aiders, should summon professional help before commencing BLS. Although technical expertise and equipment are necessary in specific situations, BLS 'buys time' while waiting for the equipment to arrive. Seventy per cent of cardiac arrests occur in the home and as BLS skills are often the only skills immediately available, their acquisition is essential.