Basic Life Support (BLS)

With more than 38,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (aaos.org or orthoinfo.org), is the premier not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals, champions the interests of patients and advances the highest quality of musculoskeletal health. Orthopaedic surgeons and the Academy are the authoritative sources of information for patients and the general public on musculoskeletal conditions, treatments and related issues. More than one in four Americans have bone or joint health problems, making them the greatest cause of lost work days in the U.S. When orthopaedic surgeons restore mobility and reduce pain, they help people get back to work and to independent, productive lives. Orthopaedic surgeons keep this “Nation in Motion.” To learn more about A Nation in Motion campaign, or to read hundreds of patient stories or to submit your own story, visit ANationInMotion.org.The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) exists to support quality emergency medical care and to promote the interests of emergency physicians. The Board of Directors has identified values that serve as the guiding principles for the specialty of emergency medicine. These values, and the objectives that follow, are the foundation of ACEP's planning processes and Council and Board actions. The values of the American College of Emergency Physicians are: Quality emergency care is a fundamental right and unobstructed access to emergency services should be available to all patients who perceive the need for emergency services. There is a body of knowledge unique to emergency medicine that requires continuing refinement and development. Physicians entering the practice of emergency medicine should be residency trained in emergency medicine. Quality emergency medicine is best practiced by qualified, credentialed emergency physicians. The best interests of patients are served when emergency physicians practice in a fair, equitable, and supportive environment. Emergency physicians have the responsibility to play the lead roles in the definition, management, evaluation, and improvement of quality emergency care. The ACEP was founded in 1968 and is the world's oldest and largest and largest emergency medicine specialty organization. Today it represents more than 28,000 members and is the emergency medicine specialty society recognized as the acknowledged leader in emergency medicine.Stephen J. Rahm has been involved in EMS for over 30 years. He is employed by Bulverde Spring Branch Emergency Services—a rural department in South Central Texas—where he holds the positions of senior paramedic, Deputy Chief of Clinical Direction, and Co-Chair of the Centre for Emergency Health Sciences. He is also a faculty member in the paramedic program at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Stephen has authored numerous books, articles, review manuals, and exam preparation programs. In addition, he has served as a contributing author, content reviewer, and consultant for a multitude of courses, programs, videos, and textbooks. Stephen’s prehospital resume also includes work as a paramedic for Kendall County EMS, paramedic at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, EMT program coordinator for the U.S. Army Department of Combat Medic Training, and an extensive list of lecturing and procedural workshops. Working fluently in both civilian and military settings, he has presented at state and military EMS symposia.