Basic life support (BLS) is a level of medical care which is used for victims of life-threatening illnesses or injuries until they can be given full medical care at a hospital. It can be provided by trained medical personnel, including certified first responders emergency medical technicians, and by qualified bystanders and or Certified Law Enforcement Officers

Before attempting anything ensure that the scene is safe (code 4).

502.21 Consciousness

Assess the victim's level of consciousness by asking loudly and shaking at the shoulders "Are you okay?" and scan the chest for breathing movement visually. If the response is negative, call for help via RTO and request EMS (10-52s).

502.22 Pulse

Take a measurement of the pulse by firmly planting 2 fingers on the neck, wrist or elbow joint and feel for a pulse.
/me checks pulse

502.23 Airways

Roll the individual into the recovery position if you suspect anything to be obstructing their airways.
/me checks airways, are they clear?

502.24 Visible Injuries

Assess any visible injuries the individual may have and treat it following the guidance below.
/me checks for visible injuries

502.31 Laceration

A laceration is a cut or slice to flesh that may bleed heavily and is subject to infection. The primary objective is to prevent bleeding and minimise the risk of infection.

• • Torso - Clean wound (antiseptic wipes) > Prevent bleeding (Bandage tight and attempt to keep each side of the wound as close together as you can).

  • Limbs - Clean wound (antiseptic wipes) > Prevent bleeding (You are advised to apply a tourniquet to the limb upwards of the wound to prevent heavy bleeding, otherwise a bandage is sufficient).

  • Head/ Face - Clean wound (antiseptic wipes) > Prevent bleeding (Bandage tight and attempt to keep each side of the wound as close together as you can).

502.32 Stab Wound

A stab wound is a wound inflicted by a sharp object, often small at face value but can penetrate deep into flesh. The primary objective is to prevent bleeding and minimise the risk of infection. DO NOT REMOVE THE SHARP OBJECT FROM THE PATIENT IF IT IS STILL IN THE WOUND ON ARRIVAL.

• • Torso - Clean wound (antiseptic wipes) > Prevent bleeding (bandage) > Hold Pressure.

  • Limbs - Clean wound (antiseptic wipes) > Prevent bleeding (tourniquet or bandage).

  • Head/ Face - Clean wound (antiseptic wipes) > Prevent bleeding (bandage).

502.33 Gunshot Wound (GSW)

A GSW is a wound inflicted by a gunshot, this includes flesh wounds/ grazes; through and through entry and exit wounds; and entry wounds with no exit.

• • Torso - Clean entry wound > Prevent Bleeding (pack with guaze, apply chest seal if able) > Hold Pressure.

  • Limbs - Prevent Bleeding (tourniquet) > Clean wound > wrap with bandage > hold pressure.

  • Head/ Face - Clean wound > wrap with bandage > hold pressure.

502.34 Fracture

A fracture is any break or crack in a bone. This may include rotational fracture, hairline fractures, chipped bones, snapped through bones, snapped bones protruding through skin, etc.

• • Torso - keep the patient as still as possible > ask the patient questions to keep them conscience > observe for internal bleeding.

  • Limbs - place limp in splint to prevent movement.

  • Head/ Face - Skull fractures often come with bleeding, so address any bleeding with care.

  • Neck/ Back - place patient in neck brace if able and await medical transport.

502.31 Terminology

Drugs that a LEGAL to posses with prescription are marked with "*".
Drugs that are ILLEGAL to posses under any circumstances are marked with "**".

• OD = Overdose

• Cocaine** - powder-form white substance.

  • Crack Cocaine** is in hard white solid form (chalk like) and often smoked.

• Marijuana*

• Heroin (Opioid)** - often in hard black solid form, melted into liquid form and ingested via needle.

• Fentanyl (Opioid)* - Often found in pill form.

• Codeine (Opioid)* - often found in various high strength cough syrups or in pill form

• Oxycodone (Opioid)* - Pill form, A.K.A. “oxy”.

• Methamphetamine** - often in crystalline form

• MDMA** - often in decorated ‘tab’ form, ingested by placement on tongue, A.K.A “Ecstasy”, “Molly”.

• Xanax*

• Ketamine** - white powder form (crushed crystalline substance ingested via nose)

502.32 OD Responce

1. Determining Drug Ingested

• If the individual is conscious, you may be able to ask what they took.

• If the individual is unresponsive, look for any physical evidence that may help determine the nature of the drug ingested (e.g. heroin needles indicate opioid usage, prescription pill bottles will give detailed proof, etc.

2. Opioid Drugs

• In ALL cases of an opioid drug overdose, administer NARCAN via nasal spray. Narcan has the effecting of reversing the effects caused by opioids by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain.

3. Party Drugs

• Party Drugs include cocaine, ketamin, MDMA/ Ecstasy. When handling party drug overdoses your primary objective is to keep the individual responsive and breathing for as long as possible - you must also be calming as the effects are often distressing to the user during overdose.

4. Marijuana

• An overdose on marijuana is technically impossible, although some can experience side-effects such as vomiting and paranoia - attempt to calm the patient whilst medical staff are en route.