BLS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield BLS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What should a team member do if unsure about a task they were assigned? → Ask the team leader for clarification
2. During two-rescuer BLS for an adult in cardiac arrest, how often should rescue breaths be given? → 2 breaths after every 30 compressions
3. What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer infant CPR? → 30:2
4. In a drowning victim, why are rescue breaths considered especially important compared to standard cardiac arrest? → Because the primary cause of cardiac arrest is hypoxia from asphyxia
5. If the 'recognition and activation' link fails — for example, no one calls 911 — what is the most likely outcome? → All subsequent links are delayed or never initiated, drastically reducing survival
6. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing adult CPR? → 30:2
7. How should a single rescuer prioritize interventions when alone with an unresponsive opioid overdose victim who has no normal breathing but has a pulse? → Call 911, give rescue breaths, and administer naloxone if available
8. Which finding on EEG is associated with poor neurological prognosis after cardiac arrest? → Burst suppression with identical bursts
9. A victim of lightning strike is found unresponsive. Is it safe to use an AED? → Yes, lightning victims do not retain electrical charge and AED use is safe and indicated
10. A patient resuscitated from cardiac arrest develops seizures. What is the recommended management? → Treat seizures with antiepileptic medications
11. A victim is wearing a wet shirt. What should you do before applying AED pads? → Remove or cut the shirt and dry the chest before applying pads
12. Which of the following scenarios is an indication to stop CPR? → ROSC occurs, a valid DNR is produced, or rescuers are physically unable to continue
13. Manual left uterine displacement (LUD) during CPR in pregnancy is performed primarily to: → Relieve compression of the inferior vena cava and aorta by the gravid uterus
14. How long should you check for breathing and pulse simultaneously? → No more than 10 seconds
15. Which of the following is a sign that rescue breaths are being delivered correctly? → The patient's chest visibly rises with each breath
16. What is the principle of 'patient autonomy'? → Respecting the patient’s right to refuse treatment
17. A first responder arrives to find bystanders performing CPR on a patient who has a valid DNR order in hand. The first responder should: → Confirm the DNR is valid, then discontinue CPR
18. How do you open the airway in an unresponsive adult without suspected spinal injury? → Head tilt–chin lift
19. A rescuer is rotating into the compressor role. To minimize interruption in CPR, the handoff should occur: → Immediately after a shock is delivered or during a rhythm check
20. A child is found unresponsive and not breathing normally. According to pediatric BLS guidelines, a lone rescuer should first: → Perform 2 minutes of CPR before activating emergency services
21. As you finish the fifth cycle of 15:2 CPR, assistance with an AED arrives. (True or False) Use adult AED pads for children 8 years of age and older. → True
22. Which method is used to open the airway in an unresponsive victim without suspected trauma? → Head tilt–chin lift
23. For adult CPR, what is the recommended compression rate? → 100–120 compressions per minute
24. Chest compressions should be used as the first step in CPR if you DON'T DEFINITELY feel a pulse in the first ______ seconds. → 10
25. Which scenario represents 'battery' in a BLS context? → Performing CPR on a patient who has a valid DNR and competently refused resuscitation
26. Which communication technique helps prevent errors during a stressful resuscitation? → Repeating back orders to confirm understanding
27. In pregnancy-related cardiac arrest, what intervention is considered if CPR remains unsuccessful after 4–5 minutes? → Emergency perimortem cesarean delivery to relieve aortocaval compression
28. Where should the rescuer's hands be placed for adult chest compressions? → Lower half of the sternum, at the center of the chest
29. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the AED's rhythm analysis phase? → To determine if a shockable rhythm such as VF or pulseless VT is present
30. During a cardiac arrest, every minute without defibrillation for a shockable rhythm decreases survival by approximately how much? → 7–10%