Learning Objective:
Understand and apply basic life support techniques safely and effectively in healthcare settings.

Assess emergency situations

In a care setting, an emergency situation is one that poses an immediate risk to the health and safety of an individual. Identifying such situations involves assessing environmental safety, checking patient responsiveness, and observing initial indicators like unusual behavior, breathing abnormalities, or sudden collapse. Before taking action, ensure the scene is safe to approach. Look for signs of distress or abnormal vital cues that require urgent attention.

• Ensure Personal Safety

Look around for dangers such as wet floors or falling objects before approaching the patient.

• Approach Patient

Gently tap the patient’s shoulder and ask loudly, ‘Are you okay?’ to check responsiveness.

• Call for Help

If there is no response, shout for help or call emergency services immediately.

• Perform Preliminary Assessment

Check breathing by observing the chest for movement; listen for breath sounds and feel for air from the mouth or nose.

Perform CPR effectively

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a vital skill for healthcare providers. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood circulation and breathing in an individual whose heart has stopped. Immediate and effective CPR is crucial as it sustains circulation until professional help arrives, potentially saving lives during cardiac emergencies. Remember, when performing CPR, maintain a balance between urgency and precision to ensure effective compressions and breaths.

• Compression Rate

100-120 compressions per minute.

• Compression Depth

2 inches (5 cm) for adults.

• Rescue Breath Ratio

30 compressions to 2 breaths.

• Effective CPR Importance

Maintains circulation until help arrives.

Understand use of automated defibrillators

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. It analyzes the heart’s rhythm and can deliver an electric shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. Know when to apply the AED, as it plays a critical role in improving survival chances. Always follow the device’s safety instructions during use, primarily ensuring that no contact is made with the patient’s body while the shock is delivered.

• Safety Precautions

Ensure no one is touching the patient when delivering a shock. Stand clear and announce, ‘Clear!’ before pressing the shock button.

Manage airway obstructions effectively.

Airway obstruction, often caused by choking, is a critical condition where airflow is blocked, leading to potential oxygen deprivation. It’s essential to act swiftly to prevent severe outcomes. Initial signs include inability to speak, cough, or breathe correctly. Recognize these quickly to take immediate action to restore normal breathing and avoid harm.

• Ask if Choking

Ask the individual if they are choking and encourage coughing if they can speak.

• Perform Back Blows

Stand behind the person and give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades.

• Perform Abdominal Thrusts

Stand behind and make a fist. Place it above the person’s belly button and perform quick thrusts inward and upward.

• Seek Help if Necessary

If the obstruction persists, call emergency services for further assistance.

Administer life-saving interventions with empathy and respect



In emergency care, mastering technical skills goes hand-in-hand with exercising empathy and respect. While interventions like CPR and defibrillation are mechanically demanding, they should be delivered with compassionate, person-centred care. Empathy is crucial to easing patient fears and maintaining their dignity throughout the process.

• Explain Your Actions

Always inform the patient or their family about what you are doing and why, to reduce anxiety.

• Speak Calmly

Maintain a calm tone throughout the intervention, offering reassurance.

• Reassure Patient/Family

After the intervention, take time to comfort and reassure the patient or their relatives.

Recognize and respond to shock conditions.



Shock, a critical condition caused by inadequate blood flow to organs, requires swift recognition and intervention. Look for signs such as cold, clammy skin, rapid pulse, and confusion. Early detection is crucial to prevent deterioration and ensure life-saving measures are taken promptly.

• Lay the Person Down

Position the person flat on their back to ensure stability.

• Elevate Legs

If appropriate, elevate the legs 12 inches to improve circulation.

• Maintain Warmth

Cover the person with a blanket to maintain body heat.

• Call for Help

Immediately contact emergency services for professional intervention.

Monitor and assess vital signs effectively.



Vital signs, including pulse rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, are fundamental indicators of a person’s health status. Regular monitoring allows for early detection of health changes and guides timely interventions. Accurate assessment helps caregivers make informed decisions, thereby ensuring effective ongoing care.

Understand recovery positions effectively.



The recovery position is a vital post-emergency technique to maintain airway openness in unconscious but breathing individuals. It prevents airway obstruction by positioning the body safely, which allows fluid to drain from the mouth. It’s essential following interventions to ensure patient safety and stability as they recover.

• Kneel Beside the Person

Ensure clear space around the body for maneuvering.

• Position Arm and Leg

Place the nearest arm at a right angle and cross the opposite leg over.

• Roll and Tilt Head

Roll the body onto the side and tilt the head slightly back to maintain an open airway.

• Monitor Continuously

Keep checking the airway and breathing regularly while waiting for help.

Primary Survey: DRABC



The DRABC acronym stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation, guiding healthcare workers through a primary survey in emergencies. This structured approach ensures rapid identification and management of life-threatening conditions, increasing the chances of survival and recovery.

• Danger

Assess scene safety for you and the patient.

• Response

Check patient’s responsiveness by asking and gently shaking.

• Airway

Ensure the airway is open, clear obstructions.

• Breathing

Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing.

Understand the importance of effective teamwork in emergency situations



Effective teamwork is crucial in emergency situations, where clear communication and coordinated efforts can significantly affect patient outcomes. Each team member has a specific role, whether leading, communicating, or performing medical interventions, allowing for a comprehensive and efficient response that enhances the safety and well-being of both patients and responders.