Healthcare providers and /or individuals who may be the first at the scene of an accident need to have good knowledge of emergency care needed to be delivered to people experiencing cardiac and respiratory crisis in adults, children and infants before the arrival of medical team.

The case of sudden deaths in the country is grossly increasing and deaths relating to cardiac arrest which is usually facilitated by cases like stroke, shock, drowning drug overdose etc. can be easily averted when and if there is early recognition and provision of prompt and effective medical attention.

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a level of non-invasive medical care used to save a patient’s life in cases of emergency and involves but not limited to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), stabilizing bone fractures, immobilization of the spine, bleeding control and basic first aid.

The BLS training tends to serve medical personnel, such as emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and qualified bystanders. It involves skills for performing high-quality (CPR), using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and relieving an obstructed airway for patients of all ages and this is the first level of care for a person in a case of cardiac arrest.

The training also focuses on the integration of key skills as listed below, to help rescuers achieve optimal patient outcome;

• Critical thinking: clear and rational thinking based on the fact(s) presented and the learners’ experience and expertise.
• Problem solving: ability to identify solutions to problems using readily available resources.
• Communication: a closed-loop process involving the sender, the message and the recipient
• Team dynamics: integration and coordination of all team members working together toward a common goal.