What are the 3 P’s of BLS? The Lifesaving Steps of Basic Life Support

5 min readNov 9, 2023

Basic Life Support, or BLS, refers to a set of skills and protocols that aim to maintain airway, breathing, and circulation in an emergency. As a critical lifesaving technique, BLS skills should be learned and refreshed by both healthcare providers and the general public. At its core, BLS follows 3 key steps known as the 3 P’s: Position, Open Airway, and Check Pulse. Understanding and properly performing these steps can mean the difference between life and death.

The Importance of BLS Training

BLS training equips you with the knowledge and skills to act quickly and effectively in the event of cardiac arrest, choking, or other emergencies. Proper training ensures you know when and how to start CPR, use an AED, and more. People certified in BLS include:

Healthcare professionals — Doctors, nurses, EMTs
Coaches, teachers, childcare workers
Security staff, flight attendants
Members of the general public

Proper training is essential both for professional responders and good Samaritans. At CPR Indianapolis, we offer American Heart Association BLS certification courses to ensure you know how to help. Our small class sizes, knowledgeable instructors, and hands-on learning provide a stress-free way to develop skills that save lives.

Position the Person Properly

The first of the 3 P’s stands for “Position.” When you find an unresponsive person, the very first step is to position them appropriately to open their airway and allow for effective CPR. There are two main positions used:

1. Recovery Position

If the person is unresponsive but breathing normally, roll them onto their side into the recovery position. This prevents their tongue from blocking their airway. Monitor them closely and be prepared to start CPR if needed.

2. CPR Position

If the person is not breathing or only gasping, position them flat on their back to begin CPR. Tilt their head back and lift their chin to open their airway.

Proper positioning is crucial before moving to the next steps. Take a moment to ensure you have positioned the person correctly based on their status.

Open the Airway

Once the person is in the proper position, you must “Open” their airway. With the head tilted back, lift the chin and pinch the nose closed. Give two rescue breaths, watching for the chest to rise.

Key Points on Opening the Airway:

Use a barrier device to prevent infection risk
If the chest does not rise with breaths, tilt the head and try again
If an object blocks the airway, turn the person to the side and perform abdominal thrusts

Opening the airway by lifting the chin allows breaths to enter the lungs. Give rescue breaths until you check for a pulse and confirm the need for compressions.

3. Check for a Pulse

The 3rd P stands for “Pulse.” After giving initial rescue breaths, quickly check for a pulse to determine if compressions are needed.

To Check the Pulse Correctly:

Check carotid pulse at either side of the neck
Check for at least 5 seconds but no more than 10 seconds
If no pulse is felt, begin chest compressions

Checking the pulse quickly informs you whether circulation has stopped. Only begin compressions if no pulse is felt. Proper training will help you accurately check your pulse to know when compressions are needed.

Putting the 3 P’s Together

By following the 3 P’s — Position, Open Airway, and Check Pulse — you can take the essential first steps to provide lifesaving BLS care. Proper training and practice will ensure you perform these steps quickly, efficiently, and correctly when seconds count.

At CPR Indianapolis, our hands-on BLS classes will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency. Small class sizes and experienced instructors provide the ideal environment for learning skills that save lives.

Perform High-Quality CPR: Key Tips

After checking for a pulse and determining the need for compressions, high-quality CPR is critical for improving survival odds. Proper technique, rate, and depth of compressions are key. Here are some tips for performing high-quality CPR:

Maintain a Rate of 100–120 Compressions Per Minute

The right rate of chest compressions allows full chest recoil while maintaining blood flow. Aim for 100–120 compressions per minute, keeping a steady rhythm. Songs like “Stayin’ Alive” can help you maintain the ideal pace.

Compress At Least 2 Inches Deep

Adequate compression depth is vital to circulate blood effectively. Compress the chest at least 2 inches deep on adults and 1/3 the depth of the chest on children. Allow full chest recoil between compressions.

Minimize Interruptions

Frequent or long pauses in compressions drastically reduce blood flow. Only interrupt compressions when necessary and keep pauses brief.

Rotate with Team to Avoid Fatigue

Chest compressions require physical effort. Switch roles with other responders every 2 minutes to avoid fatigue. Proper rotation maintains compression quality.

Proper hand placement, body position, recoil, and depth are also key for high-quality CPR. Our BLS courses teach you to consistently perform effective compressions using the latest guidelines.

Use an AED as Soon as Possible

An automated external defibrillator (AED) can restore normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. AEDs are safe for anyone to operate and offer clear voice prompts. To use an AED:

Turn On the AED and Follow the Prompts

Simply turn the AED on. It will guide you through each step verbally, including placing pads and clearing for analysis.

Allow the AED to Analyze the Rhythm

Stop CPR when prompted so the AED can determine if the shock is needed by analyzing the heart rhythm.

Deliver a Shock if Advised

If the AED determines shock is needed, it will say “Shock advised.” Deliver a shock when prompted.

Resume CPR Immediately After Shock

Resume compressions and breaths immediately after delivering a shock. Continue until the next analysis.

AEDs are designed for use by untrained individuals. Proper operation is addressed in-depth during American Heart Association BLS courses. Using an AED as soon as possible often proves crucial to survival.

BLS Skills Save Lives: Get Trained Today!

Learning skills like CPR, AED operation, and choking relief empowers you to take swift, effective action in a medical crisis until professional help arrives. Proper training builds the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately.

Our BLS courses at CPR Indianapolis teach you to consistently perform effective compressions using the latest guidelines.

At CPR Indianapolis, we offer AHA BLS certification classes to equip you with lifesaving skills. Our experienced instructors, small class sizes, and hands-on learning provide a positive, engaging training experience.

Don’t delay — register for a BLS class today at CPR Indianapolis. Call (317) 527–1046 or visit www.cpr-indianapolisin.com to sign up for a BLS class in Indianapolis.

Invest a few short hours to gain skills that can make all the difference when lives hang in the balance. We look forward to welcoming you to our next BLS class Indianapolis at CPR Indianapolis!