Objectives:

·  Describe the key principles of cardiac arrest recognition and the physiologic foundations that guide BLS resuscitation.

·  Demonstrate high-quality BLS CPR, including correct compression rate (100–120/min), depth (at least 2 inches or 1/3 chest depth), full recoil, appropriate ventilation ratios for adults, pediatrics, and neonates, and minimization of interruptions.

·  Apply early defibrillation principles by appropriately placing AED pads, analyzing rhythm as soon as possible, delivering shocks when indicated, and immediately resuming compressions.

·  Evaluate field resuscitation decisions, including when to initiate, continue, withhold, or terminate resuscitation based on clinical presentation and special circumstances (e.g., trauma, hypothermia, pregnancy, lightning strike).