BLS Steps

Although you never hope that an emergency arises, as a BLS provider, it's your job to be prepared to respond quickly, and appropriately. In order to do so, there are certain BLS steps that you'll need to perform every time, and some steps that you'll only have to perform on an as-needed basis.

Here, we'll outline some high-level steps that apply to most scenarios, and provide you with BLS reference materials that you can use to examine the steps required during specific situations.

The 3 Steps of Basic Life Support: Assess, Recognize, Care

The Assess, Recognize and Care concept is a systematic, continuous approach for rapid assessment, accurate recognition and immediate care in emergency situations. An acutely ill patient’s condition can change rapidly, and deterioration can follow; therefore, frequent assessment, recognition and care are critical.

Step 1: Assess

The Assess, Recognize and Care concept begins with a rapid assessment and visual survey to assess scene safety, form an initial impression of the patient and determine whether additional resources are needed. This may also include opening the airway and simultaneously checking for breathing and a pulse if the patient is unresponsive.

After you complete your rapid assessment, provide care based on the conditions found.

Step 2: Recognize

Recognize Life-Threatening Conditions

Recognition involves identifying signs of life-threatening conditions during and after the rapid assessment. Recognition is based on findings from the visual survey, responsiveness check and airway, breathing and pulse assessment.

Identify Changes in Patient Condition

An acutely ill patient’s condition can change rapidly. Deterioration may occur at any time, making ongoing recognition necessary throughout the response.

Determine the Need for Immediate Action

Recognition includes determining whether the patient requires immediate intervention or additional resources based on assessment findings. This determination guides the type and urgency of care provided.

Support Continuous Assessment

Recognition is not a single event. It occurs continuously as assessment findings are updated and the patient’s condition evolves.

Step 3: Care

Provide Care Based on Conditions Found

Care is delivered after completing the rapid assessment and recognizing the patient’s condition. Actions taken depend on whether the patient is responsive, breathing normally and has a pulse.

Depending on the situation, care may include:

• CPR for adults, children and infants
• AED use for adults, children and infants
• Respiratory distress care
• Obstructed airway management
• Opioid overdose care

Be Prepared

To learn more about the specific classes that are part of our BLS program, visit the BLS/CPR page. Or, for a deeper dive into what BLS is, you can purchase and review our Basic Life Support Participant's Manual from the Red Cross Store.