Kondreddy Naveen at 17:10, 8 September 2023

2023-09-08T17:10:14Z

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== Life Support ==

[[File:Life Support.jpg|thumb|right|Life support equipment in a hospital setting.]]

'''Life support''' represents the essential medical interventions and techniques utilized during emergencies to preserve life when one or more vital organs fail. Such interventions play a crucial role during critical health events like cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening situations.

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== Overview ==
The term '''Basic Life Support (BLS)''' signifies foundational emergency medical procedures aimed at sustaining life. The main goal of BLS is to prevent [[cerebral hypoxia]], a severe condition resulting from insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, leading to potential irreversible damage or death within 8-10 minutes. BLS acts as the first layer of emergency care, followed by '''Advanced Life Support (ALS)''' and then '''critical care'''.

Healthcare professionals, encompassing doctors, nurses, and [[emergency medical technicians (EMTs)]], undergo specialized training and certification in both basic and advanced life support techniques. Remarkably, even non-medical individuals, or bystanders, often initiate BLS measures during emergencies, bridging the time gap until professional medical aid arrives.

== Importance ==
In cardiac emergencies, [[cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)]] is initiated by bystanders or relatives in nearly 25% of the cases. Implementing BLS techniques, especially CPR during cardiac arrest, can increase survival rates by two to threefold.<ref>Reference 1</ref> BLS extends beyond CPR to include interventions for emergencies such as choking, hemorrhage control, first aid, and using automated external defibrillators ([[AEDs]]).

== Conditions Addressed by BLS ==
* '''Cardiac arrest''': An abrupt loss of heart function, necessitating immediate CPR and possible AED intervention.
* '''Stroke''': Disruption in blood supply to a brain segment.
* '''Drowning''': Respiratory compromise resulting from submersion in liquid.
* '''Choking''': Airway obstruction hindering air from reaching the lungs.
* '''Accidental Injuries & Violence''': Traumatic events potentially causing bleeding, fractures, or other severe conditions.
* '''Allergic reactions''': Intense hypersensitivity responses potentially causing airway blockage or circulatory collapse.
* '''Burns''': Damage to the skin or deeper tissues from various sources like sun, hot liquids, fire, electricity, or chemicals.
* '''Hypothermia''': Critically low body temperature.
* '''Birth Complications''': Urgent situations during childbirth threatening the infant or mother.
* '''Drug overdose & Alcohol intoxication''': Excessive consumption of substances beyond physiological limits.

== Levels of Emergency Care ==
* '''Basic Life Support (BLS)''': The introductory emergency care tier focusing on airway, breathing, and circulation without equipment.
* '''Advanced Life Support (ALS)''': Enhanced care procedures surpassing BLS, incorporating equipment and medications, primarily delivered by healthcare professionals.
* '''Critical Care''': Rigorous medical care for patients with extreme and life-threatening health issues.

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Medical procedures]]
[[Category:Emergency medicine]]

=== See Also ===
* [[Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)]]
* [[Advanced Life Support (ALS)]]
* [[Automated External Defibrillator (AED)]]
* [[Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)]]
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[[Category:Emergency Medicine]]
[[Category:Medical Interventions]]
[[Category:Healthcare Procedures]]
[[Category:Medicine]]
[[Category:First aid]]

Life support - Revision history

Kondreddy Naveen at 17:10, 8 September 2023