When someone suddenly collapses, every second counts. It is precisely at these critical moments that the practical skills acquired during a BLS-AED training course come into their own. As part of the overall first aid approach, this training is an essential pillar for responding quickly and effectively to a cardiac arrest. It teaches reproducible, life-saving techniques that can be used to stabilise the victim before professional help arrives. Whether you are faced with an emergency situation at home, in a public place or at work, mastering the fundamentals of BLS-AED is a powerful lever for saving lives. To fully understand this utility in its entirety, it is essential to discover in detail the overall benefit of BLS-AED training.

What specific skills do you learn during BLS-AED training?

Taking a BLS-AED course enables you to acquire the practical skills that are essential for responding effectively to a cardiorespiratory arrest. These skills are based on a combination of technical gestures, adapted reflexes and an understanding of intervention priorities.

The first skill is the safe assessment of the situation, which includes hazard analysis, personal protection, and checking the victim’s state of consciousness and breathing. This stage is guided by the X-ABCDE algorithm, which structures the action according to vital priorities.

Then comes immediate activation of help. The participant learns to use the 144 emergency number, to make a hands-free call, and to follow the dispatcher’s instructions, particularly during real-time guidance for cardiac massage.

The mastery of external cardiac massage is a fundamental pillar. Training teaches correct hand positioning, a depth of 5 to 6 cm, a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, as well as maintaining a good release between each compression (recoil). The use of a metronome or electronic feedback device is recommended to ensure quality.

Participants also learn to perform artificial ventilations (mouth-to-mouth or via a mask), to unobstruct the airway if necessary, and to switch to continuous compressions if insufflations are impossible.

The use of the automated external defibrillator (AED) is discussed in detail: immediate start-up, electrode positioning, rapid analysis, and administration of the shock within 3 to 5 minutes of collapse.

Finally, skills include placing in lateral safety position, managing choking (back slaps, Heimlich manoeuvre), recognising the signs of a stroke or infarction, as well as specific adaptations for children and infants. All within a Swiss legal framework that encourages action in good faith and values the role of first responder.

Mastering cardiac massage for maximum effectiveness

Cardiac massage is one of the key gestures taught in BLS-AED training. It maintains minimal blood circulation while waiting for defibrillation or the arrival of emergency services. A good cardiac massage technique – hand position, depth of compression, constant rhythm – maximises the victim’s chances of survival.

Learning to use an AED defibrillator step by step

There’s nothing complex about using a defibrillator, as long as you’re trained. During the course, participants discover the essential steps for safe use of the AED: switching on, correctly placing the electrodes, following the voice instructions. Every minute counts, and this know-how reduces intervention times.

Recognising cardiac arrest in adults and children

Knowing how to detect the signs of cardiac arrest – unconsciousness, abnormal or absent breathing – is crucial. The training helps to quickly identify an arrest in an adult as well as a child, enabling rapid and appropriate action from the very first moments.

Adopting the right reflexes with an unconscious breathing victim

Faced with an unconscious but still breathing victim, the right actions change. Trainees learn how to position the person in safety, monitor their breathing, and prepare to act if their condition changes.

Airway unobstruction in adults: vital gestures

Choking can quickly degenerate. In training, trainees learn the airway deobstruction procedure, including back slaps and abdominal compressions, to react effectively.

Resuscitating a child vs an adult: understanding the differences

Paediatric resuscitation requires specific adjustments: depth of compressions, number of insufflations, type of AED electrodes. Thanks to training, we acquire the skills to adapt resuscitation to the victim’s age.

Identifying the first signs of a stroke to alert in time

Recognising the early signs of a stroke is an essential skill. The FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) method enables rapid detection of symptoms and immediate alerting of the appropriate services.

Effectively alerting emergency services in an emergency situation

A well-formulated call for help saves vital time. The trainee learns to provide clear and precise information, remain calm, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions until help arrives.

Would you like to move on to step 6 (links to sister pages)?

Deepen the management of cardiac arrest and avoid common mistakes

  • The right thing to do before help arrives: Discover the immediate reflexes to adopt as soon as someone collapses. This page explains what to do in the event of cardiac arrest, even without medical equipment.

  • Éviter les pièges lors d’une intervention : Even with training, certain mistakes can compromise the effectiveness of a BLS-AED. This resource highlights common mistakes in emergency situations to better anticipate them.

  • Training for better action in real life: Whether at home or in the public space, BLS-AED training turns every citizen into a potential rescuer. Discover how this training saves lives on a daily basis, with concrete examples in home and urban environments.