BLS C-A-B algorithm: Basic life support protocol

Written by Jessica Munoz DPN, RN, CEN

Compressions:

• Compression rate of 100-120 per minute, pushing hard and fast in chest center.
• Depth of 2" - 2.4” for adults (5-6cm).
• Children and infants: 1/3 depth of the chest (2” and 1.5”).
• Allow complete chest recoil between compressions and keep interruptions under 10 seconds.

Airway:

• Head tilt/chin lift: tilt victim's head back and lift the victim's chin to open the airway.
• Infant airway can be opened by placing the head in the “sniffing position.”

Breathing:

• Give rescue breathing, mouth to mouth, in the apneic patient with a pulse.
• In a pulseless patient without an advanced airway in place, provide chest compressions and breaths at a 30:2 ratio. For effective breathing, watch for chest rise and avoid excessive ventilation.
• 10 BREATHS should be delivered each minute, or one breath every six seconds.
• Each breath should be delivered over 1 second. Observe visible chest rise.