BLS primary survey for respiratory arrest: Basic life support

Last updated: March 15, 2022

The main focus of the BLS Primary Survey is early CPR and early defibrillation, if needed. For a patient in respiratory arrest, however, the focus is on breathing and airway issues. The process starts with assessing the patient and then perform an appropriate action. Each step in the survey has an assessment and actions to follow.

Assessment	Action
Is the patient breathing?	Look for the rise and fall of the patient's chest.
Does the patient have a pulse?	The healthcare provider can take 5–10 seconds to check for a pulse.
AED	When the AED arrives, turn it on and follow the prompts

Is the patient breathing NORMALLY? (small gasping breaths are not considered normal.

If no pulse – BEGIN COMPRESSIONS at a rate of 100/min to 120/min.

If not sure if a pulse is present, BEGIN COMPRESSIONS at a rate of 100/min to 120/min.

If pulse is present and breathing absent, begin ventilation at a rate of 10 per minute or once every 6 seconds using mouth to mouth or bag valve mask.

The last step, defibrillation, is part of the primary survey, but is not required for respiratory arrest as the patient has a pulse for this case. Therefore the AED will advise the user "no shock advised, continue CPR if necessary."