Advanced Medical Certification

Shopping Cart

No products in the cart.

View All Courses

Basic Life Support (BLS) for Adults

Multitasking is one of the most prominent features of BLS for adults. Old recommendations would indicate that one-rescuer CPR was the highlighted method in BLS. However, real-life situations illustrate that there are often many individuals present at cardiac event. A group is management, resuscitation, and AED usage, all of which should be carried out as a team. A collective effort toward rescuing results in a faster response time, which means less damage to the brain and heart.

What is BLS for Adults?

BLS for adults involves sequenced life-saving actions directed toward assisting adults in emergencies, particularly in cases of cardiac arrest. This algorithm focuses primarily on immediately and effectively restoring the patient’s breathing and circulation.

Simple Adult BLS Algorithm

Adult BLS Algorithm

Key Steps of the Adult BLS Algorithm

1. Initial Response


  • Unresponsive without Normal Respirations: Check for responsiveness and normal breathing.

  • Action: Call 911 immediately or activate the local emergency response system.

  • 2. Begin Immediate Action


  • Get AED and Start CPR: If available, get an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and start CPR immediately. Focus on giving the patient hard and fast compressions at the center of their chest.


  • 3. AED Integration and Monitoring


  • Monitor Rhythm: Follow the instructions to assess the rhythm once the AED is set up.

  • Shock if Needed: If shock administration is mentioned on the AED device, administer a shock and then continue to perform CPR on the patient.

  • Repeat After Two Minutes: Perform CPR and reassess the rhythm after every two minutes. Administer further shocks if directed by the AED device.
  • BLS for adults helps to prepare you with the critical skills needed in emergency cases involving adult patients. Regular training and up-to-date certification can prepare you for emergencies in which you need to respond quickly.

    Make sure you are prepared to save lives in an emergency. Obtaining the right skills through an adult BLS certification can be a life-saving advantage. Visit our BLS certification page below to learn more about our courses and getting certified.