Lesson 1Scene safety and initial impression at public locations (supermarket specifics)Covers checking scene safety in busy public spots, focusing on supermarkets. Deals with crowd control, environmental dangers, finding the victim, and forming a quick initial impression while protecting rescuers, onlookers, and the patient in such settings.
Scanning for traffic, electrical, and spill hazardsManaging crowds, family, and bystandersRapidly locating and accessing the victimInitial impression: responsiveness and breathingUsing store staff and security effectivelyPlanning safe space for CPR and AED useLesson 2Integration of BLS actions with basic equipment: oxygen, suction, pocket mask, BVMExplains how to blend BLS skills with basic equipment like oxygen, suction, pocket masks, and BVMs. Stresses sequence, teamwork, and avoiding delays in compressions while adding devices to aid breathing during resuscitation efforts.
Prioritising compressions over equipment setupApplying oxygen safely during resuscitationUsing suction to clear airway obstructionsCoordinating pocket mask use with CPRTwo-rescuer BVM technique and timingAvoiding equipment-related delays and errorsLesson 3Team dynamics during adult resuscitation: roles, closed-loop communication, switchovers, minimising hands-off timeFocuses on effective team behaviour during adult resuscitation. Reviews assigning roles, closed-loop communication, timing compressor switchovers, minimising pauses, and handling conflict so the team delivers coordinated, high-quality BLS care in critical moments.
Defining team leader and member rolesUsing clear, closed-loop communicationCoordinating compressions with ventilationsPlanned compressor rotation to reduce fatigueStrategies to minimise hands-off timeDebriefing to improve future team performanceLesson 4Primary survey: checking responsiveness, airway, breathing, circulation for adultsCovers the adult primary survey sequence: checking responsiveness, airway, breathing, and circulation. Stresses rapid assessment, recognising cardiac arrest, and immediately moving to compressions and AED use when needed in emergency situations.
Approaching and tapping the adult victimOpening the airway with head tilt–chin liftAssessing breathing and chest movementChecking carotid pulse quickly and safelyIdentifying cardiac arrest within 10 secondsMoving rapidly to CPR and AED placementLesson 5Ventilation for adults: pocket mask and bag-valve-mask technique, delivering effective breaths, avoiding hyperventilationDetails adult ventilation using pocket mask and BVM. Reviews proper seal, head positioning, breath volume and rate, coordination with compressions, and ways to avoid stomach inflation and over-breathing during resuscitation procedures.
Head positioning for open airway during breathsCreating an effective mask sealDelivering visible chest rise, not overinflatingCoordinating breaths with chest compressionsAvoiding hyperventilation and gastric inflationTwo-rescuer BVM roles and techniqueLesson 6Documentation, legal and ethical considerations, and post-resuscitation scene handoff proceduresReviews documentation needs, legal protections, and ethical issues in adult resuscitation. Explains recording times and actions, respecting advance directives, dealing with police, and doing organised patient handoff in emergency scenarios.
Essential elements of CPR documentationGood Samaritan and duty-to-act conceptsHandling advance directives and DNR formsCommunicating with family on sceneStructured handoff to EMS or hospital staffMaintaining confidentiality and recordsLesson 7Adult CPR indications: when to start and when to withholdExplains clinical signs that require starting adult CPR, including unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing. Reviews when resuscitation may be withheld or stopped, stressing local protocols, do-not-resuscitate orders, and provider safety in the field.
Recognising unresponsiveness and no normal breathingConfirming pulselessness within 10 secondsAgonal respirations versus normal breathingSituations to withhold CPR, including valid DNRWhen to stop CPR in the fieldConsulting protocols and medical directionLesson 8When and how to activate emergency response system and request AED/advanced helpDetails when to activate the emergency response system for adults, how to clearly request an AED and advanced help, and how to coordinate callers, dispatch, and on-scene rescuers so that lifesaving resources arrive quickly and efficiently in Zambia.
Recognising need for immediate EMS activationWho should call 911 and when to place callEssential information to give the dispatcherDirecting someone to retrieve the nearest AEDRequesting advanced life support resourcesMaintaining phone contact while starting CPRLesson 9Use of barrier devices and cleaning/contamination precautionsExplores using barrier devices to reduce infection risk during BLS. Covers pocket masks, face shields, and BVM filters, plus glove use, cleaning reusable equipment, handling body fluids, and post-event decontamination steps for safety.
Types of CPR barrier devices for adultsCorrect pocket mask positioning and sealUsing filters with BVM and oxygenGlove use and safe removal techniquesCleaning and disinfecting reusable itemsManaging spills and biohazard disposalLesson 10Adult chest compression technique: hand placement, depth, rate, recoil, minimising interruptionsDescribes correct adult chest compression technique, including hand placement, depth, rate, full recoil, and limiting interruptions. Stresses firm surface use, feedback devices when available, and common errors that reduce blood flow in emergencies.
Landmarks for correct hand placementTarget compression depth and rateAllowing full chest recoil each compressionMinimising pauses and pre-shock delaysUsing feedback devices to improve qualityCorrecting common compression errors
