How to Become BLS Certified?

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a more advanced form of CPR used by medical professionals, such as nurses, doctors, and paramedics. BLS is a critical skill for healthcare professionals in emergency rooms, intensive care units, and other medical emergencies. This article will help you to gain the exact process you need to become BLS certified.

What is BLS Certification?

What is BLS certification? BLS certification program teaches medical professionals the skills and knowledge required to perform CPR and other life-saving techniques. The program teaches medical professionals to respond to emergencies and provide essential care to patients in critical conditions. BLS certification programs are available through various institutions and organizations, like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Red Cross.

Is BLS the Same as CPR?

CPR training is given in BLS classes, but since BLS certification is intended for the medical professional, BLS class is more in-depth than CPR training. A typical BLS class will cover single-rescuer and team basic life support skills, assessing an emergency, taking precautions, and legal considerations when administering life-saving care. You may also learn additional first-aid skills while enrolling in BLS certification courses.

Why is BLS Certification Important?

BLS certification instills medical professionals working in emergencies with the necessary skill to handle the situation calmly and promptly. Every second counts when a patient experiences a cardiac arrest, stroke, or other life-threatening condition. By performing BLS techniques, medical professionals can keep the patient’s heart and lungs functioning, increasing the chances of survival.

In addition to being a critical skill for medical professionals, BLS certification is also mandatory by many healthcare organizations and employers. Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities require their staff to be BLS certified, ensuring they have the necessary skills to respond to emergencies.

How to Become BLS Certified?

Becoming BLS certified is a straightforward process that somebody can complete within a few days. Here’s how to become BLS certified:

Step 1: Choose a Certification Provider

Several organizations offer BLS certification courses, including the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Red Cross. Before selecting a provider, it’s essential to research and compare each organization’s courses. Consider factors such as the cost, course duration, and course format, such as online or in-person. 

Heart Start CPR offers BLS certification courses that match your schedule. We offer online, classroom, or in-person BLS Training. Depending on factors some may find online BLS training courses beneficial while some find direct interactive classes convenient. 

Step 2: Enroll in a BLS Course

Once you select a certification provider, enroll in a BLS course. The BLS course will typically cover the following topics:

• The basic principles of BLS
• The steps for performing CPR
• How to use an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• How to perform choking relief techniques
• How to recognize and respond to a cardiac arrest or stroke

Step 3: Attend the Course and Pass the Exam

The BLS course will typically take between 3-5 hours to complete. During the course, you will learn the skills and knowledge (BLS Algorithms: 1 rescuer, 2 rescuer, pediatric, and adult BLS algorithm) required to perform BLS techniques and how to respond to emergencies. After completing the course, you must pass a written and practical exam to receive your BLS certification.

Step 4: Receive Your BLS Certification

Once you have passed the BLS exam, you will receive your BLS certification, valid for two years. You need to renew your certification every two years by attending a BLS recertification course.

Preparing for BLS Certification

Preparing for BLS certification can help you feel more confident and prepared to pass the exam. Here are some tips for preparing for BLS certification:

1. Review the BLS Guidelines: The American Heart Association publishes guidelines for BLS certification, which provide a comprehensive overview of the techniques and procedures you will be expected to know. Reviewing these guidelines before the course can help you feel more prepared.
2. Practice BLS Techniques: Practicing BLS techniques with a family member or friends can help you feel more confident when performing the techniques during the exam. 
3. Study the Course Materials: Most BLS certification courses provide materials such as books or online modules. It’s essential to review these materials before attending the system to ensure you have a solid understanding of the course material.
4. Attend a Practice Exam: Many BLS certification providers offer practice exams to help you prepare for the actual exam. Attending a practice exam can help you identify areas needing additional study or practice.

BLS Certification Exam

The BLS certification exam tests your knowledge and proficiency in performing BLS techniques. The exam typically consists of two parts: written and practical exams. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers the material taught in the BLS certification course. 

The practical exam tests your ability to perform BLS techniques, such as performing chest compressions, using an AED, and providing rescue breaths. To pass the BLS certification exam, you must score 84% or higher on the written exam and perform all required BLS techniques correctly during the practical exam.

BLS Certification Renewal

BLS certification is valid for two years. You must attend a BLS recertification course before your certificate expires to renew your certification. The recertification course typically covers the same material as the initial BLS certification course but in a shorter format. After completing the recertification course, you must pass the written and practical exams on renewing your BLS certifications.

BLS Certification Benefits

BLS certification training comes with many benefits. It trained individuals to manage critical medical emergencies like sudden cardiac arrest and obstructed airways. Below are some of the benefits of having BLS certifications: 

1. Professional Advantages: Most employers nowadays ask for BLS certifications as a job requirement, especially for emergency responders and nurses working on emergency and critical units. BLS certification can help you stand out in the job market and demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality patient care.
2. Employment Opportunities: Many healthcare organizations require their staff to be BLS-certified. Being BLS certified can increase your chances of employment in the healthcare field. Employers are 
3. Benefits for Healthcare Providers: BLS certification can help healthcare providers respond more effectively to emergencies, increasing patient survival rates and reducing the risk of complications.
4. Personal Benefits: BLS certification can provide personal satisfaction and fulfillment, knowing you have the skills to save someone’s life during an emergency.

Get BLS Certified at Heart Start CPR

Enroll in BLS certifications classroom courses in San Francisco Bay Area at Heart Start CPR. We offer classroom BLS courses all over San Francisco Bay Area. We also provide nationally accepted Online BLS certifications for medical personnel with a busy schedule. Heart Start CPR also offers On-Site CPR training for schools, corporations, small businesses, and Healthcare Facilities.