BLS vs CPR- What’s the Difference?

Do you think CPR and BLS are the same? Many people think so. These two terms are often used interchangeably and lead to a lot of confusion. Both Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation(CPR) and Basic Life Support(BLS) are critical skills that can save lives through essential emergency medical procedures during life-threatening situations. However, they cover different levels of training and application.

You might be eager to know the true differences between CPR and BLS and how these certifications vary in terms of techniques, scope, and target audience. Are you curious yet? You will discover it soon!

In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at both CPR and BLS. We’ll explore the difference between Basic Life Support and CPR, what each certification means, the specific skills you will learn, and the contexts in which they are most effectively applied. By exploring the core aspects of these life-saving techniques, we’ll help you determine which certification is best suited for you, taking into account your profession and several other key factors.

Stay with us as we unravel the essential details of CPR and BLS. Is BLS and CPR the same? Let’s find out!

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs until professional medical help arrives. It is provided when a person is suffering from cardiac emergencies like cardiac arrest, drowning, airway obstruction (such as choking), and other forms of respiratory distress. While the person’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped, CPR aims to keep the brain and other organs alive until the heart can be restarted or until advanced medical care can be provided.

What is BLS?

BLS, or Basic Life Support, is a much broader term. BLS includes various emergency medical techniques and skills to sustain life during medical emergencies. BLS includes CPR but also extends to other critical care interventions, such as managing choking, using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), assessing and stabilizing patients, airway management, basic trauma care, and coordinating with emergency medical services. Online BLS training is designed for individuals with busy schedules, including healthcare professionals, EMTs, first responders, and others in roles where basic emergency care knowledge is crucial.

Also read: Common abbreviations to know in BLS

Most People’s Confusion: Are BLS and CPR the Same?

You might have already gotten an idea of whether they are the same. A common question many people ask is, “Is CPR and BLS the same?” The short answer is no, although they are closely related, they are not the same. CPR is a critical component of BLS. It refers to the specific technique of chest compressions and rescue breaths used to save lives during cardiac arrest. In contrast, BLS, or Basic Life Support, includes CPR but also covers a broader set of emergency techniques such as using an AED, managing airways, and stabilizing patients until advanced medical care arrives. While anyone can learn and perform CPR, BLS is typically required for professional healthcare providers and first responders who need a more comprehensive emergency response skillset.

Related post: 10 Reasons to Get Your BLS Certification Online

What’s the Difference between BLS and CPR?

So, what’s the difference between BLS and CPR? Is CPR and BLS the same? When it comes to emergency medical training, understanding the differences between BL and CPR is essential. While both certifications help individuals with life-saving skills, they serve different purposes and audiences.

Here are the key differences between BLS and CPR to help you determine which certification best suits your needs and professional requirements. Understand how BLS vs. CPR training differs, and choose the one that fits your professional requirements.

• CPR is a life-saving technique that specifically involves chest compressions and rescue breaths during cardiac arrest, whereas BLS covers a broader range of emergency medical techniques, such as AED use, airway management, CPR, and others.
• CPR is a basic life-saving skill for laypersons, but BLS is a comprehensive program for healthcare professionals.
• CPR training can typically be completed in a short span of time, while BLS training requires a longer period due to its more comprehensive curriculum and advanced techniques.
• Non-healthcare professionals and healthcare professionals can acquire CPR certification, whereas BLS certifications is designed for professional healthcare providers.
• The purpose of CPR is to provide an immediate response to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation. In contrast, the main purpose of BLS is to offer a comprehensive emergency medical response. This includes airway clearance, circulation checks, and assessing the patient’s condition, along with using tools like AEDs to stabilize patients until advanced medical help arrives.
• CPR includes basic training focusing on high-quality chest compressions and rescue breaths. In contrast, BLS is more extensive training that includes CPR, the use of AEDs, defibrillation, choking management, patient assessment, and airway management.
• In terms of cost, CPR classes generally cost less. However, BLS course costs are higher due to its more comprehensive training and certification requirements.

Also read: Difference between initial BLS certification and recertification?

Application of BLS and CPR Certification

We have understood that BLS (Basic Life Support) certification is for healthcare professionals and teaches how to handle serious emergencies, including using AEDs, following the BLS algorithm, and keeping airways open, often as part of a team. On the other hand, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification is for anyone who wants to learn how to help in emergencies, focusing on lifesaving techniques for cardiac arrest. While BLS is more detailed and meant for medical settings, CPR is important for everyone to be ready to assist in a crisis, making both BLS and CPR certifications valuable for emergency situations

Also read: BLS study guide

Which Certification Should I Get?

Choosing between CPR or BLS certification depends on your specific needs and professional requirements. CPR certification is ideal for the general public, including teachers, babysitters, Fitness Trainers, Corporate Workers, Restaurant Employees, Coaches, Parents, and workplace responders. Why? Because these people often work in environments where physical activity, stress, or interactions with the public are common, and there is an increasing likelihood of encountering situations where cardiac emergencies may occur.

On the other hand, BLS certification is designed for healthcare providers, medical personnel, emergency medical technicians(EMTs), first responders, and others in professions where encountering a variety of medical emergencies is likely. It’s much more advanced training than CPR. So, if you are a healthcare professional in a related field, then an American Heart Association(AHA) BLS certification is essential to you. BLS certification not only proves you can conduct a necessary cardiac intervention, but it is also a mandatory qualification asked by most healthcare institutions.

So, we come down to this:

Get CPR Certification if you are a layperson looking to be prepared for basic emergencies, like cardiac arrest in everyday situations.

Get BLS Certification if you are a healthcare provider, first responder, or someone who needs comprehensive training to handle a variety of medical emergencies in a professional or clinical setting.

Related Post: How Long Does A CPR Class Take?

H2: Overview of the difference between CPR and BLS

Enroll for BLS or CPR Certification Classes with Heart Start CPR in San Francisco

In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when comparing CPR and BLS certification. While both certifications provide life-saving skills, they are quite different in terms of techniques and application. If you’re a healthcare professional or first responder or work in the healthcare field, BLS certification is essential. Conversely, if you’re a member of the general public seeking basic life-saving skills, CPR certification will be a better option for you. Regardless of your choice, enrolling in certification classes will help you respond effectively to emergencies.

You can join Heart Start CPR in San Francisco to receive high quality CPR training and BLS certification, including our blended learning options that combine online and in-person instruction for maximum flexibility.We offer both classroom and online CPR courses at your convenience.. So, whether it’s BLS or CPR, take the proactive step to become a cpr certified responder. Act now and book your class to ensure you’re prepared to save lives!

Enroll now in BLS classes or CPR and first aid classes and be prepared to handle life-threatening emergencies.

FAQs

Do healthcare providers need both BLS and CPR certification?

Healthcare providers usually need BLS certification, which includes CPR training. While having prior CPR knowledge can help, BLS is often required to ensure providers can handle emergencies effectively. It’s not common to need both certifications separately, as BLS covers CPR.

What skills are included in BLS training that are not part of CPR training?

BLS training includes advanced techniques like using an AED, recognizing and managing respiratory emergencies, and providing effective ventilation techniques, which are not covered in basic CPR training.

Is there a difference in the audience for BLS certification and CPR certification?

Yes, BLS certification is aimed at healthcare professionals and first responders, while CPR certification is often designed for laypersons and general public training.

What situations require BLS instead of CPR?

BLS is required in more complex emergencies, such as cardiac arrest or respiratory distress, where additional skills like using an AED and providing rescue breaths are necessary. CPR alone may be sufficient for basic life-saving efforts.