Untitled

Page 1

If the patient appears unconscious, the BLS survey is used for the initial assessment of the patient. After completing the appropriate steps in the BLS survey, the ACLS survey is utilized for more advanced assessment and treatment. If the patient is conscious, the ACLS survey is used for the initial assessment of the patient.

The BLS sequence was altered in the 2010 guidelines following research showing that the "look, listen and feel" step in the BLS sequence led to a delay in initiation of chest compressions in victims of cardiac arrest.