BLS is the acronym for Basic Life Support; while the acronym BLS-D - Basic Life Support and Defibrillation - refers to the BLS protocol which involves the use of a defibrillator, normally external semi-automatic.

BLS and BLS-D are protocols that provide a well-defined sequence of actions that should be implemented when one witnesses the loss of consciousness of a person who is presumed to have been affected by sudden cardiac death or other disorders capable of leading respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest.

The set of maneuvers envisaged by the BLS and BLS-D protocols serves to increase the possibility of survival of the individual affected by sudden cardiac death or disorders that lead to cardiorespiratory arrest.

In particular, the main purpose of the first aid maneuvers included in the BLS and BLS-D (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) protocols is to preserve the cells of the entire organism - especially those of the brain - from death caused by the absence of oxygen. In fact, when breathing and blood circulation stop, the body's tissues no longer receive oxygen - an element of fundamental importance for their survival - thus starting a process of cell death. Once this process begins, the chances of survival as well as the chances of eventual recovery without damage, especially to the brain, decrease considerably.

Individuals suffering from sudden cardiac death or other disorders that can cause respiratory arrest and/or cardiac arrest have a low chance of survival in the absence of prompt intervention. On the contrary, if one intervenes promptly with a few simple first aid maneuvers, the possibility of survival, as well as the possibility of recovery without brain damage, increase considerably.

To ensure adequate and timely intervention even in the absence of trained doctors or healthcare workers, we offer BLS and BLS-D courses. These courses include a theoretical part and a practical part, during which you can practice performing first aid maneuvers on special dummies, naturally, under the supervision of the instructors who hold the course.

The objective of the BLS and BLS-D courses is to train students to allow them to practice first aid maneuvers that could save the lives of those affected by sudden cardiac death or disorders that lead to respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest.

The BLS-D course also includes learning the basic notions for the use of semi-automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), now widespread in many public places (in particular, in large cities) and inside gyms, swimming pools, schools, sports fields, clubs, stations, airports, etc.

Taken from https://www.my-personaltrainer.it/benessere/bls-bls-d.html