“CAB” and the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support Program

Daniel “Danny” Ashley recently received a master of public administration with distinction from California State University, Fresno. Passionate about health care and assisting the underprivileged, Fresno State alumnus Danny Ashley has completed the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support (BLS) program.

Providing foundational techniques for saving victims’ lives following cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, the BLS centers on the emergency application of Chain of Survival steps. Common scenarios where this is used include after a stroke or heart attack, and in a drowning situation.

Among the primary skills emphasized in BLS is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or the use of chest compression to help to continue and restore blood circulation. Differing CPR techniques are taught for use with adults, children, and infants, and participants also learn the basics of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

These fundamentals are encapsulated in the “CAB” checklist, which starts with “C” ensuring proper circulation of blood throughout the body. “A” stands for airway and involves clearing obstructions in the way of uninterrupted flow of air to the lungs. Finally, “B” stands for breathing and ensuring that the lungs are properly filling with and releasing air.