Reasons Why Basic Life Support Should Be Taught In School

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of immediate, life-saving interventions aimed at maintaining the vital functions of breathing and circulation when someone experiences a life-threatening emergency.

Basic life support training is valuable for the general public to empower people to respond effectively to emergencies before professional help arrives, is vital in various emergency situations, including cardiac arrest, drowning, choking, or situations where someone is unresponsive and not breathing.

The goal of Basic Life Support is to provide immediate care until advanced medical assistance arrives. Training in Basic Life Support is widely available and is essential for healthcare professionals, first responders, and individuals in various fields. Regular practice and updates help maintain proficiency in Basic Life Support skills.

1. Recognition of Emergency: The first step involves recognizing the signs of a life-threatening situation, such as unresponsiveness, abnormal breathing, or cardiac arrest.

2. Activation of Emergency Response: Call for professional help or emergency services to ensure that trained medical personnel are on their way.

3. Chest Compressions: Begin chest compressions to circulate oxygenated blood. This involves pushing hard and fast on the center of the chest at a rate of approximately 100-120 compressions per minute.

4. Rescue Breaths: If trained, provide rescue breaths to supply oxygen to the lungs. This may be performed in conjunction with chest compressions.

5. AED Use: If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, use it to assess the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electric shock to restore normal heart function.

6. Airway Management:  Ensure an open airway to allow for effective breathing. This may involve techniques to clear obstructions.

7. Continuous Assessment: Regularly assess the person’s breathing and circulation to determine the ongoing need for BLS interventions.

Integrating BLS into school curricula can have a lasting impact, preparing students to be responsible and compassionate citizens who are ready to respond effectively in times of crisis.

1. Early Intervention in Emergencies: BLS training equips students with the skills to recognize and respond to emergencies promptly, potentially saving lives in situations like cardiac arrest or choking.

2. Life-Saving Skills for Real-world Situations:  Students learn practical, life-saving skills that are applicable in real-world scenarios outside the school environment.3. Community Empowerment: BLS education extends beyond the school setting, empowering students to be proactive members of their communities by assisting in emergencies until professional help arrives.

4. Increased Bystander Response: BLS training increases the likelihood of bystander response during emergencies, as individuals are more confident and willing to intervene.

5. Preparation for Future Careers: Students interested in healthcare professions or public service can benefit from early exposure to BLS, laying the foundation for more advanced medical training.

6. Critical Thinking and Decision-making: BLS training enhances critical thinking and decision-making skills, as students learn to assess situations quickly and determine appropriate courses of action.

7. Promotion of a Safety Culture: Teaching BLS fosters a culture of safety and preparedness within schools, emphasizing the importance of well-being and emergency readiness.

8. Community Resilience: Schools act as hubs of communities. BLS education in schools contributes to community resilience by ensuring a higher percentage of individuals are trained to respond to emergencies.

9. Increased Public Health Awareness: BLS education raises awareness about public health issues and the importance of individual contributions to community well-being.

10. Compliance with Local Regulations: In some regions, there are regulations or initiatives advocating for BLS training in schools to enhance overall community safety.