{"id":5713,"date":"2025-07-13T15:03:41","date_gmt":"2025-07-13T14:03:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/what-use-is-bls-aed-training-in-everyday-life\/what-specific-skills-do-you-learn-during-bls-aed-training\/"},"modified":"2025-09-20T17:58:20","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T16:58:20","slug":"what-specific-skills-do-you-learn-during-bls-aed-training","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/certified-first-aid-training\/complete-bls-aed-src-training\/what-use-is-bls-aed-training-in-everyday-life\/what-specific-skills-do-you-learn-during-bls-aed-training\/","title":{"rendered":"What specific skills do you learn during BLS-AED training?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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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<\/strong> 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<\/strong> 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<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What specific skills do you learn during BLS-AED training?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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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.<\/p>\n

The first skill is the safe assessment of the situation<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>, which structures the action according to vital priorities.<\/p>\n

Then comes immediate activation of help<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

The mastery of external cardiac massage<\/strong> 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<\/strong> is recommended to ensure quality.<\/p>\n

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

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

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

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Mastering cardiac massage for maximum effectiveness<\/h3>\n

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<\/strong><\/a> – hand position, depth of compression, constant rhythm – maximises the victim’s chances of survival.<\/p>\n

Learning to use an AED defibrillator step by step<\/h3>\n

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<\/strong>:<\/a> switching on, correctly placing the electrodes, following the voice instructions. Every minute counts, and this know-how reduces intervention times.<\/p>\n

Recognising cardiac arrest in adults and children<\/h3>\n

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<\/strong>, enabling rapid and appropriate action from the very first moments.<\/p>\n

Adopting the right reflexes with an unconscious breathing victim<\/h3>\n

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

Airway unobstruction in adults: vital gestures<\/h3>\n

Choking can quickly degenerate. In training, trainees learn the airway deobstruction procedure<\/strong><\/a>, including back slaps and abdominal compressions, to react effectively.<\/p>\n

Resuscitating a child vs an adult: understanding the differences<\/h3>\n

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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Identifying the first signs of a stroke to alert in time<\/h3>\n

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

Effectively alerting emergency services in an emergency situation<\/h3>\n

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

Would you like to move on to step 6 (links to sister pages)?<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Deepen the management of cardiac arrest and avoid common mistakes<\/h4>\n