Online CPR Certification Blog

What is BLS Certification?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s first establish a clear understanding of BLS. BLS, an acronym for Basic Life Support, is a level of medical care used to victims in life-threatening situations, especially those that disrupt breathing or heart function, e.g., cardiac arrest or drowning.

When we talk about getting BLS Certified, we’re referring to a certification process that verifies one’s competency in these life-saving procedures. It’s about ensuring you have the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, respond to, and effectively manage these critical situations until more advanced medical personnel can take over.

More specifically, BLS Certification validates a person’s ability to:

• recognize several life-threatening emergencies, 
• provide high-quality chest compressions, 
• deliver appropriate ventilations,
•  Use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
• Detect foreign-body airway obstruction, 

It includes topics such as adult and pediatric CPR (including two-rescuer scenarios and use of bag mask), 

Why Do You Need BLS Training?

In many professions, particularly within healthcare, having BLS Certification is a prerequisite. This includes emergency medical technicians, nurses, medical doctors, paramedics, firefighters, and many others. 

However, it’s not only for healthcare professionals. Teachers, fitness instructors, lifeguards, and even corporate personnel also often pursue BLS Certification to ensure they’re prepared to respond effectively in a crisis.

This certification matters because it provides the foundational skills and knowledge required to respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and first-aid emergencies. 

What Does BLS Training Cover?

A BLS course covers a wide range of critical skills, including:

• Scene safety and recognition of emergencies: First and foremost, BLS training teaches you how to ensure the safety of the scene and recognize potential emergencies.
• Adult, child, and infant CPR: Techniques can vary depending on the patient’s age and size, and a BLS course teaches how to adapt to these differences.
• Two-rescuer resuscitation and AED use: In professional settings, you’re often not alone when an emergency arises. BLS covers the teamwork involved in resuscitation and using an AED.

Who Can Benefit from BLS Certification?

While BLS training is mandatory for many healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, it’s not limited to healthcare. 

Professions such as firefighters, police officers, teachers, lifeguards, and childcare providers can benefit from these life-saving skills. Additionally, the general public can also find value in acquiring this certification.

How to Get Your BLS Certification

Acquiring a BLS certificate is a step-by-step process:

• Course selection: Choose a course that is accredited and recognized by reputable organizations, such as the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Training: Attend all training sessions, which will be a mix of theory and hands-on practice.
• Assessment: Complete a skills test and a written exam to prove your understanding and proficiency.
• Certification: After passing, you will receive your Certification, valid for two years.

Duration and Renewal of BLS Certification

A typical BLS course takes approximately 3-4 hours or even longer to complete depending on the provider. 

After earning your certification, it’s valid for two years. To maintain the certification, you must take a BLS refresher course and pass the assessments again every two years.

Alt-Tag:Image of students actively participating in a Basic Life Support (BLS) class, learning crucial CPR techniques under the guidance of an instructor

Author credit: By Rama – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3632271

BLS versus CPR Course: Understanding the Differences

While both CPR and BLS are crucial life-saver courses, there are distinct differences between the two, particularly in the skills they cover and their target audience. 

We have constructed the following comparison table to provide a clear differentiation and help you choose the most suitable course for you or your profession.

Aspect	CPR	BLS
Target Audience	General Public	Healthcare Professionals
Skills Covered	Basic chest compressions and rescue breaths	Adult, child, and infant CPR, use of an AED, relief of choking, understanding of team dynamics during resuscitation
Course Duration	Varies (Typically less than BLS)	Approximately 3-4 hours
Certification Validity	Varies, commonly 2 years	2 years

Enhancing your Career Prospects with BLS

Acquiring a BLS Certificate doesn’t just provide you with invaluable life-saving skills; it can also give your career a substantial boost.

Whether you’re a seasoned healthcare expert or a newbie in the sector, possessing this certificate sends a strong message about your abilities and commitment to saving lives.

Healthcare Professionals

In the medical field, the BLS Certification is often a non-negotiable requirement. From paramedics to physicians, from nurses to dentists, possessing a BLS certificate is indicative of your readiness to handle emergency situations. 

Employers, particularly in the healthcare industry, greatly appreciate candidates with BLS training, as it assures them that you’re equipped to handle life-threatening scenarios that may arise.

Non-Healthcare Professionals

Even if you’re not a healthcare professional, having a BLS certificate under your belt can significantly enhance your career prospects.

For instance, if you’re in education, fitness, childcare, or even corporate sectors, having this certification signals your preparedness to manage emergency situations. This can make you a more desirable candidate when it comes to job applications or promotions.

Stand Out in the Crowd

In today’s competitive job market, having an edge can make a world of difference. A BLS/CPR certificate can give you that edge. It showcases your dedication to personal development and readiness to take on responsibility. It sends out a message that you’re not just there to do a job, but you’re also there to safeguard and protect those around you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does a BLS Certificate last?

A BLS certificate typically lasts for two years from the date of course completion.

2. Who should get BLS Certified?

While a BLS Certificate is crucial for healthcare professionals, it can be beneficial to anyone, especially those in public service roles such as police, firefighters, teachers, and lifeguards.

3. Is BLS the same as CPR?

BLS is an advanced form of CPR, including additional skills such as team dynamics and rescue breathing.

4. Can I get BLS certified online?

While online BLS courses are available, ensure they are accredited and recognized by reputable healthcare organizations. Note that some employers may require a hands-on component.

5. What skills are covered in BLS training?

BLS training covers adult, child, and infant CPR, use of an AED, relief of choking, and understanding of team dynamics during resuscitation.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our comprehensive guide to BLS certification, it’s clear that holding such a credential transcends beyond professional obligation or fulfilling a job requirement. It signifies a willingness to be a lifeline in the most critical moments, the capacity to extend a helping hand when life hangs in the balance.

Through the knowledge and skills acquired during CPR training, you gain the confidence to act swiftly and effectively during a cardiac emergency. This is why we advocate for widespread CPR education and certification. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a teacher, a parent, a teenager, or simply a Good Samaritan, this knowledge can truly make a world of difference.