Editing Basic life support (section)

== Method ==

=== D - Danger ===
One of the first checks done in emergency response is to assess the situation for any danger. If the person does not remove themselves or others from the danger then they are liable to become a patient and require emergency assistance themselves or become unable to render assistance for the other patient. Some examples of dangerous situations which should cease before BLS is administered are electrocutions, assault, drowning, and burns.

=== R - Response ===
Checking for response is the next step in emergency situations as continuing with other forceful methods of BLS could exacerbate the patient's condition and can be seen as assault. [[AVPU]] (Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unconscious) is the commonly used acronym for quickly assessing the level of consciousness in a patient. [[Pain stimulus]] in particular should be used with caution as many methods if done incorrectly can leave bruises (sternal rub for example) commonly used methods for central stimulus are the trapezius squeeze and for peripheral stimulus it is squeezing the side of the finger.

=== S - Send for help ===
Sending for help allows much more assistance to be rendered upon the patient and increases their chances of receiving ALS.

=== A - Airway ===
Opening of the airway via the [[jaw-thrust maneuver]] is the preferred method as the head-tilt maneuver is thought to be more risky for people with suspected spinal injury or inconveniency. If the person is in danger of [[pulmonary aspiration]] then they should be placed in the recovery position or more [[advanced airway management]] should be used.

=== B - Breathing ===
Once the airway has been opened checking for breathing should begin, if the respiratory rate is below 12-20 breaths per minute then CPR should begin, however if the patient is breathing normally then the rescuer should place them in the recovery position and summon an ambulance.

=== C - CPR ===
{{Main|Cardiopulmonary resuscitation}}

=== D - Defibrillation ===
Once an automated external defibrillator (AED) has been acquired the rescuer should then finish the round of CPR, use the AED and then begin another round of CPR. However the AED will usually notify the rescuer of any impediments to continued CPR (such as a [[sinus rhythm]] or [[asystole]]) in which case the rescuer may be prompted to cease CPR.