Basic Life Support - Adult Disease Summary

Last updated: 05 August 2024

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Overview

Basic life support (BLS) is the fundamental approach to saving lives following cardiac arrest.  Primary aspects of BLS include immediate recognition of sudden cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system, early cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and rapid defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator. Initial recognition and response to heart attack and stroke are also considered part of BLS.