The Basic Life Support (BLS) and Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course is designed to equip healthcare professionals and lay responders with critical skills to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies. Participants will learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), administer chest compressions and rescue breaths, and safely operate an AED to restore normal heart rhythms in individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

Learning Objectives:

– Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Gain proficiency in performing high-quality CPR on adults, children, and infants.

– Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Operation: Understand the purpose and safe use of AED devices in delivering electrical shocks to restore heart function.

– Emergency Response: Develop skills to assess emergencies, prioritize actions, and coordinate with emergency services.

– Team Coordination: Enhance communication and teamwork skills in emergency response scenarios.

Course Content:

1. Introduction to Basic Life Support (BLS)

   – Importance of BLS in improving survival rates during cardiac emergencies.

   – Legal and ethical considerations in providing emergency care.

2. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Techniques

   – Step-by-step instructions for performing CPR on adults, children, and infants.

   – Hands-on practice in delivering effective chest compressions and rescue breaths.

3. Management of Choking Emergencies

   – Recognising and responding to choking incidents in various age groups.

   – Performing abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) safely and efficiently.

4. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Overview

   – Understanding the role of AEDs in treating sudden cardiac arrest.

   – Operating AED devices to analyze heart rhythms and deliver appropriate shocks.

5. Emergency Response Protocols

   – Developing effective strategies for assessing emergencies and initiating immediate care.

   – Coordinating with emergency medical services (EMS) and healthcare providers.

6. Safety and Risk Assessment

   – Identifying potential risks during emergency responses and ensuring personal safety.

   – Utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhering to infection control protocols.

7. Communication and Team Coordination

   – Communicating effectively with team members and bystanders during emergency situations.

   – Clarifying roles and responsibilities to optimise teamwork and patient outcomes.

8. Patient Care Continuity

   – Ensuring continuity of care and providing handover information to healthcare professionals.

   – Documenting interventions and maintaining accurate records of emergency responses.

9. Reflective Practice and Continuous Improvement

   – Reflecting on emergency response experiences to enhance skills and knowledge.

   – Commitment to ongoing training and professional development in BLS and AED use.

Target Audience:

– Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, paramedics, etc.) and lay responders required to perform BLS and operate AED devices.

– Individuals seeking certification or re-certification in BLS and AED use for professional development or regulatory compliance.

Conclusion:

The Basic Life Support and Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course equips participants with critical skills to intervene during cardiac emergencies. By mastering CPR techniques, AED operation, and emergency response protocols, participants contribute to improving outcomes for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. This course supports the development of confident and competent responders dedicated to providing immediate and effective life-saving interventions in healthcare and community settings, ultimately saving lives and promoting public health and safety.