Last Updated on: November 8, 2024
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Basic Life Support (BLS) training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage such emergencies. This certification provides confidence to those who encounter critical situations, such as healthcare professionals, teachers, and caregivers.
Although the requirements for such certifications of life-saving skills may differ across states, hospitals, and professions, the underlying need remains the same: being prepared to act confidently.
According to research, the 30-day survival rate following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest rose 14% for every 5% increase in the BLS certification course. In this article, we will discuss what BLS certification is and how this training is crucial for everyone.
Basic life support or BLS certification is a qualification that proves that an individual is capable of performing lifesaving measures in emergencies. It is very important for first responders, healthcare providers, and safety professionals because it is most likely that such people will encounter cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, and blocked airways situations requiring immediate intervention.
BLS covers essential skills, including the use of automated external defibrillators (AED) and performing CPR with the patient’s airway open. The participants are taught care for patients of all ages, adults, children, and infants, both in one-rescuer and multi-rescuer situations.
When considering what is basic life support certification, it’s important to identify the key professions and individuals who need this credential. While anyone can pursue Basic Life Support (BLS) training, certain professions make it a requirement due to the nature of their work. Here are some roles where BLS certification is mandatory:
While certification requirements can vary depending on employers and specific job roles, BLS training is particularly valuable for anyone responsible for the health and safety of others.
If you’re wondering what a BLS is and how to obtain it, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process efficiently. Following these key steps will ensure that you’re well-prepared to earn and maintain your certification.
The first step is to locate a reputable and accredited BLS provider certification course. Many trusted health organizations offer online BLS certification, which is accessible to many. Therefore, completing a course from an accredited provider ensures that potential employers recognize your certificate.
The next step post-research is to register for the BLS course and start learning the available course material. You may have the option to take pre-assessments that help customize your learning experience, potentially reducing the amount of class time needed.
In addition, students are suggested to study the course materials diligently to prepare for the certification exam fully. They can also take help from study guides or practice exams to reinforce understanding.
The BLS certification exam is typically divided into two sections:
Upon completing both the written and practical components, you will receive your BLS certification.
BLS certifications, whether from the AHA or the Red Cross, are generally valid for two years. After this period, you must renew your certification to stay up-to-date. This ensures that you remain proficient in life-saving skills as techniques and guidelines evolve.
A BLS certification offers more than just basic CPR skills, making it an essential credential for those in healthcare and beyond. Here’s a look at how BLS training goes beyond CPR and how it can benefit your career and your ability to respond in emergencies.
While CPR certification is valuable, BLS certification takes training a step further. A BLS certification prepares you to handle emergencies related to cardiac arrest, airway obstructions, and respiratory distress. It also includes teaching one-person and two-person CPR for infants, children, and adults in rescuer situations. A BLS certification prepares you to handle emergencies, going beyond CPR to include advanced techniques.
Having a BLS certification can significantly enhance your job prospects, particularly in the healthcare industry. Some employers require candidates to hold this certificate, while others see it as an added advantage.
Including a BLS certification on your resume and discussing it during interviews can set you apart from other candidates. It can be particularly valuable in healthcare roles such as EMTs, nurses, or medical assistants.
One key benefit of obtaining a BLS certification is the confidence it instills in rescuers. Basic Life Support training equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to act confidently in emergencies. For instance, when someone is choking or experiencing cardiac arrest, administering CPR and AED as quickly as possible greatly improves their chances of survival.
Learning CPR is one of the most critical components of this certification. It teaches the correct techniques of chest compressions to maintain blood circulation until professional help arrives.
Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, even healthy individuals, often with little or no warning. Having a BLS-certified family member at home can be the deciding factor in the survival of a loved one experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency.
Read more: 5 Key Reasons Basic Life Support Training is Essential
When exploring what a BLS certification is, there are a few key components you must know to have an idea of the skills covered in the course. Additionally, this section will give you a brief of the duration and validity of the BLS certificate.
One of the main components of BLS training is CPR. In BLS certification courses, you’ll learn to perform high-quality chest compressions and rescue breaths on adults, children, and infants.
Another critical component of BLS training is learning how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This portable device is required to restore the heart’s normal rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. BLS certification courses include practice sessions on the AED application so that you stay confident enough to use one in emergencies.
Managing airway obstructions caused by choking is another vital aspect of BLS certification. This part of the training focuses on identifying the signs of choking and performing techniques such as back blows, chest thrusts, and abdominal thrusts (commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver) to clear the airway.
In many emergency situations, there may be more than one responder. BLS certification teaches effective communication and cooperation techniques when working in a team. Two-rescuer CPR techniques are often used in hospital settings or other areas with trained personnel. The course ensures you understand how to synchronize compressions and rescue breaths, along with how to use an AED in tandem.
BLS trainees learn vital airway-clearing techniques for various age groups. These include the Heimlich maneuver for adults and older children and specialized methods for infants. These skills enable effective management of choking incidents and ensure proper breathing during emergencies.
BLS certification covers essential first aid skills, focusing on managing common injuries like burns, fractures, and cuts. Trainees learn to assess wounds, control bleeding, and provide immediate care.
BLS training equips individuals to respond to various medical emergencies, including hypoglycemia, severe bleeding, and poisoning. Trainees learn to recognize symptoms, stabilize patients, and provide appropriate care. These skills are critical for managing diverse conditions until medical professionals arrive on the scene.
Read More: Difference Between CPR and First Aid
BLS is a valuable qualification, especially for people in healthcare environments who need to act quickly and intelligently in an emergency. It’s a certification that provides the skills and fundamentals of basic life-saving techniques, along with the ability to perform AED, CPR, and first aid.
With the growing awareness around BLS certification and more accessible training options, obtaining a BLS provider certification is easier than ever. Not only does it improve your confidence in emergencies, but it also opens doors to career opportunities in healthcare and beyond. Ensure you keep your certification updated, as these skills are too important to let fade.
