Life Support and Chart

1. Introduction

In emergency situations, rapid and correct action can mean the difference between life and death. This training programme is designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge, skills and decision-making ability to provide basic life support (BLS) and to use and interpret life-support flow charts/algorithms effectively. The training emphasises safety, responsiveness, airway/breathing/circulation management and structured action guided by charts such as the “DRSABCD” flow-chart.

2. Training Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Recognise and assess emergency situations quickly (danger, responsiveness, breathing etc).
• Apply the standard basic life support sequence (e.g., DRSABCD) correctly.
• Use a life-support flow chart or algorithm to guide decision-making in an emergency.
• Perform chest compressions, rescue breaths, and use an AED (where applicable).
• Manage airway and breathing emergencies until advanced help arrives.
• Interpret and follow the chart/algorithm to ensure consistent quality of care.
• Understand when and how to escalate or hand over to advanced life support providers.

3. Targeted Group

This training is appropriate for:

• Front-line staff (first responders, safety officers, reception personnel) who may encounter emergencies.
• Administrative or support staff who wish to be prepared for emergencies in the workplace.
• Health-care assistants, clinic staff, and community health workers.
• Supervisors and team-leaders responsible for workplace safety and emergency readiness.
• Any organisation wishing to enhance its emergency preparedness and life-support capability.

4. Course Duration

Total Duration: 8 days (24-hours) standard; can be extended to 10 days if practical skills and simulation are emphasised.

Delivery Options:

• Full-day classroom with practical sessions.
• Blended format: online theory + in-person skills session.
• Simulation-only refreshers for already trained staff.

5. Training Methodology

The methodology will include:

• Facilitator-led presentations explaining the life-support sequences and charts.
• Use of life-support flow-charts/algorithms (e.g., DRSABCD) as visual guides.
• Demonstrations of chest compressions, airway techniques, rescue breaths, AED use.
• Hands-on practice in small groups with manikins and simulation equipment.
• Scenario-based role plays (incl. sudden collapse, airway obstruction, non-breathing casualty).
• Use of printed charts/posters and digital referencing to build familiarity and decision fluency.
• Debriefing, self-assessment and action plans for continual improvement.

6. Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Life Support & Emergency Response

• Definition of life support (basic vs advanced) and overview of vital organ failure.
• The chain of survival: early recognition, early action, early defibrillation etc.
• Use of flow-charts/algorithms in emergencies—why structure matters.

Module 2: The DRSABCD Flow Chart and Decision-Making

• Acronym breakdown: D = Danger, R = Response, S = Send for help, A = Airway, B = Breathing, C = CPR, D = Defibrillator/AED.
• How to read and apply the flow-chart in real time.
• Signs and actions at each step.

Module 3: Danger, Responsiveness & Immediate Actions

• Ensuring scene safety, personal safety, and bystander safety.
• Checking responsiveness; when to act.
• Sending for help and activating emergency services.

Module 4: Airway Management and Breathing

• Clearing airway, opening airway (tilt-chin lift, jaw thrust) for adults/children/infants.
• Recognising effective breathing vs abnormal breathing.
• Providing rescue breaths and ventilations when required.

Module 5: Chest Compressions and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Positioning, rate, depth, technique for adult, child, infant.
• Sequence of compressions and breaths: 30 compressions:2 breaths (adults) etc.
• Minimising interruptions, ensuring high quality compressions.

Module 6: Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) & Flow Chart Integration

• When and how to attach/use an AED.
• How AED integrates into the BLS flow-chart.
• Safe use and coordination during CPR.

Module 7: Practical Scenarios & Chart-Driven Simulations

• Real-life simulation of emergencies using the flow charts as guide.
• Teams rotating through roles: first responder, compressor, AED operator.
• Chart usage: interpreting flow chart, making decisions, tracking steps.

Module 8: Review, Monitoring, Continuous Improvement & Record-Keeping

• Debriefing scenarios, reviewing performance, identifying improvement areas.
• Use of log books, incident charts, continuous training.
• Embedding chart knowledge for sustained competence.
• Developing a personal and organisational action plan for keeping skills current.

7. Expected Outcomes

Participants who complete the training will be able to:

• Recognise an emergency and apply the structured DRSABCD flow-chart promptly.
• Provide safe and effective basic life support until advanced help arrives.
• Use visual charts/algorithms as decision-support tools to guide action.
• Perform high-quality chest compressions, breaths, and AED usage (where applicable).
• Demonstrate improved confidence, readiness and responsibility in emergency response.
• Contribute to a safer workplace or service environment by being a trained first responder.

8. Certificate of Completion

Participants who attend the full course, participate in practical sessions and pass the required assessment will receive:

🎓 Certificate of Completion in Basic Life Support & Flow Chart Application
Issued by: FOTADE Training, Research and Resource Development Centre

This certificate recognises the attendee’s competence in providing structured life support and using flow-charts/algorithms in emergency situations.