What is BLS Certification? Basic Life Support Skills for Everyone!

What does BLS stand for?

BLS stands for Basic Life Support. It refers to a level of medical care used to treat victims of life-threatening illnesses or injuries until they can be given full medical treatment at a hospital. BLS includes skills like CPR, controlling bleeding, treating shock, clearing airways, and the use of an AED. But what is BLS certification? It is a formal acknowledgment that an individual has been trained and is skilled in these essential life-saving techniques.

The origins of BLS date back to the 1960s when cardiologists James Elam and Dr. Peter Safar developed the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing. Their techniques spread rapidly and were adopted by medical professionals as well as the general public.

Today, getting certified in Basic Life Support is an important step for many healthcare providers and public safety professionals. A BLS certification course teaches critical skills needed to keep a patient alive until an ambulance arrives. Topics covered include CPR for adults, children, and infants, using an automated external defibrillator (AED), and relieving choking. Proper training and certification ensure responders have the ability to act quickly and confidently in an emergency situation where seconds count. Whether you work in healthcare or simply want to be prepared, having BLS certification can help save lives.

The meaning of BLS certification goes beyond just a certificate. It’s about empowering individuals with life-saving techniques. The BLS certification training course includes CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage, and essential airway management.

What is BLS Certification Training, and Why is it Important?

So, what’s a BLS certification in detail? It’s a program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills of the BLS algorithm to respond to emergencies like choking, drowning, and cardiac arrests. The BLS certification training teaches critical, life-saving first-aid skills to both medical professionals and laypersons. In the US, BLS certification is accredited by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. The guidelines for proper BLS techniques and protocols are updated every 5 years to reflect the latest scientific research and best practices.

BLS certification is mandatory for many healthcare providers and public safety officers, including EMTs, nurses, doctors, lifeguards, and firefighters. It ensures these professionals can confidently administer lifesaving CPR, use AEDs, and provide basic first aid in critical emergencies. Proper training and certification give them the skills to act quickly and effectively when seconds count.

Though not required, BLS certification is also highly recommended for the general public. Anyone could encounter a situation where a First Aid response is needed before EMS arrives. Learning skills like CPR, choking relief, and bleeding control empowers ordinary people to help save lives in their community. Getting certified also spreads awareness of best practices so bystanders can at least direct others until professional help is available. Whether mandated or voluntary, BLS certification training is vital for equipping both medical personnel and good samaritans to respond in an emergency.

What is Included in the BLS Certification Training?

Image: BLS certification training elements

As already discussed, participants in the American Heart Association (AHA) BLS course cover how to quickly identify several life-threatening events, provide effective chest compressions, administer suitable ventilations, and initiate the early use of an AED. The following topics are covered when you enroll in the BLS certification program:

Cardiopulmonary Emergencies and Special Resuscitation situations

Most cardiac arrests—those with a leading cardiac cause—are treated first using cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The highest chances for survival with a sound neurological condition come from prompt chest compressions and, if necessary, a defibrillation shock from a bystander. Cardiac arrest can also result from unusual events such as suffocation, trauma, pulmonary embolism, unintentional hypothermia, anaphylaxis, or COVID-19, as well as while pregnant or during surgery.

The section on particular environments offers advice on how to handle cardiac arrest in places like cardiac surgery, catheterization labs, dialysis units, dental offices, commercial aircraft or air ambulances, sports fields, complex environments (like drowning, high altitude, avalanches, and electrical injuries), or mass casualty incidents.

CPR

Better odds of survival increase by performing CPR quickly before the emergency medical team arrives. The CPR techniques are lifesaving, and there are different techniques depending on the age of the victims. Infants, kids, and adults all require different levels of chest compression. Heart attacks are rising for various reasons, including lifestyle, escalating life issues, and workplace trends, contributing to increased heart attack cases. Quickly providing first-aid and CPR for heart attacks increases the chances of survival.

Effective CPR is essential for the victim’s survival. You learn the fundamentals of CPR in the BLS training to keep the cardiac arrest victims alive while waiting for specialist assistance. There are different aspects of high-quality CPR Training. The following factors are included in high-quality CPR training:

• Chest compression should be 100 per minute
• Try to keep gaps between reductions as short as possible unless you are using an AED
• The recommended depth of chest compression for adults is 2 inches, while that for infants is 1.5 inches.
• Allow the chest to relax between contractions fully
• Changing rescuers when they become exhausted
• Taking measures to control excessive ventilation

Airway Management

Any blockage in the airway is considered an airway obstruction. The airway is a complex network of tubes that carries the air you breathe via your mouth, nose, and lungs. A blockage may deprive your lungs entirely or partially of air. While some airway blockages are mild, some are severe crises that demand prompt medical care. The following are symptoms of severe obstruction:

• The victim will Grasp the neck tightly
• Little or no breathing and coughing
• Unable to talk or produce any sound
• The lips and fingertips change to bluish

For adults choking, you need to place your hands below the victim’s ribcage and the fist slightly above the navel in the center of their stomach without touching their lower sternum. The thrust needs to be performed until the victim feels relief or awakens. Perform CPR till the help arrives.

Use back punches or chest thrusts for infants younger than one year old to eliminate the blockage. Don’t try blind-finger swift; instead, Call 911 for professional assistance.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

AEDs are given when the heartbeat is dangerously fast due to disrupting the heart’s electrical activity. The patients’ lives can be saved using AED in such critical situations. The AED device shocks the patient’s heart to restore its function. The devices are straightforward to use, even for non-professionals. The device is programmed to diagnose a patient’s heart conditions in a shockable rhythm.

It is almost impossible to rescue a cardiac arrest victim without AED. Though AED is readily available in public facilities, very few people are knowledgeable or comfortable using it. Despite the device being simple to operate, special precautionary steps still need to be taken.

Opioid Overdose Response

The BLS certification program includes training on recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose, such as pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression. Students learn how to administer medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The BLS training emphasizes the importance of providing supportive care, including maintaining airway patency and performing rescue breathing or CPR as needed until professional help arrives.

Critical Thinking and Team Dynamics

BLS training also focuses on enhancing critical thinking and teamwork skills. Participants are taught how to quickly assess situations, make informed decisions, and effectively communicate with other rescuers. The training includes scenarios that require coordination and collaboration, highlighting the roles and responsibilities of each team member during resuscitation efforts. This ensures that all rescuers can work together efficiently to provide the best possible care.

Understanding of the EMS System

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system is a key component of BLS training. The certification course teaches students about the structure and function of the EMS system, including how to activate it during an emergency. It covers the importance of providing clear and concise information to EMS professionals and understanding the continuum of care from the scene of the emergency to the hospital. 

Legal and Ethical Considerations

BLS certification training includes an overview of the legal and ethical aspects of providing emergency care. You will learn about legal responsibilities, including obtaining consent and understanding Good Samaritan laws that protect an individual when providing aid. The training also addresses ethical considerations, such as maintaining patient confidentiality and acting within the scope of their training and knowledge. All these training ensures that care is provided responsibly and ethically.

Safety Precautions and Risk Management

Finally, safety precautions and risk management are crucial topics in the BLS course. You’ll learn how to protect yourself and the patient during emergencies by minimizing exposure to infections, using personal protective equipment, and handling hazardous situations safely. These measures help reduce risks while ensuring effective care.

The Core Principles of BLS Certification

The core principles of Basic Life Support center around rapidly assessing a victim’s condition and intervening with appropriate lifesaving techniques. The key goals of BLS are to preserve brain function, maintain breathing, stop bleeding, and stabilize fractures or other trauma.

The core principle unifying the BLS algorithmic approach is to quickly stabilize the victim and provide oxygen until EMS arrives. Proper training ensures BLS providers learn when and how to apply each intervention for optimal lifesaving results.

Who Should Take the BLS Certification?

BLS certification is highly recommended for several categories of professionals as well as general community members:

1. Healthcare Workers

Healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, EMTs, and paramedics, should be BLS certified so they can rapidly assess and stabilize patients in several life-threatening emergencies. Proper training provides them with the skills to perform CPR, use AEDs, control bleeding, and more.

2. Public Safety Officers

Public safety officers like firefighters, police officers, and lifeguards often act as first responders. BLS certification equips them with the ability to provide immediate, lifesaving aid before transporting victims to the hospital, which can make a critical difference in outcomes.

3. Educational and Childcare Professionals

Those responsible for the safety of others, such as athletic coaches, teachers, and childcare workers, need certification to properly care for individuals in their charge during emergencies. Their training ensures they can effectively manage urgent situations until professional medical help arrives.

4. General Community Members

Regular citizens with no medical background can also benefit from BLS training. Certification spreads awareness and empowers everyday people to provide basic aid to loved ones or strangers until professional help arrives, fostering a community prepared to respond to emergencies.

How to get BLS certification?

To obtain BLS certification, you can enroll in a BLS course offered by reputable organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA), the Red Cross, or AHA-certified training instituitons like the Heart Start CPR.

BLS certification courses are available in various formats, including in-person training, online, or a combination of both ie. the blended learning. The training includes both theoretical instruction and practical skills sessions, covering all essential topics we discussed above. You can enroll in any class that fits your time and convenience. The BLS course usually requires passing both a written exam and a hands-on skills assessment to demonstrate proficiency. After successfully completing the course, you will receive a BLS certification card.

BLS Certification Validity and Recertification

BLS Certification card is valid for two years from the date of issue. If your BLS certificate expires, you can get recertified by enrolling in a BLS recertification course within 30 days of the expiry date. Whether you choose to complete your BLS certification online, through dedicated BLS training, or prefer in-person training classes in a full classroom course setting, make sure that your certification remains current. Here is the detailed blog on how to renew your AHA BLS certification.

To ensure you’re always prepared, enroll in HeartCode BLS course at Heart Start CPR today!

Note: You can get BLS recertification online with in-person skills.

BLS Certification FAQs

Can I Take a BLS Course Online?

Yes, you can take a BLS course online. Heart Start CPR offers online BLS classes designed to provide the same level of training and certification as in-person courses. These online courses are convenient for those who may not have the time or means to attend a physical class.

How Long Does it Take to Get BLS Certification?

The BLS certification for healthcare providers takes approximately 4 hours for initial certification and 3 hours for recertification. Enroll in our BLS certification classes.

How Often Should I Renew My BLS Certification?

The American Heart Association recommends renewing your BLS certification every 2 years. This is because the techniques and procedures of BLS are constantly evolving, and it is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest information.

How Is a BLS Recertification Different From a BLS Certification?

BLS Certification is the initial course you take to learn the fundamentals of Basic Life Support. Once you’ve completed this course and obtained your certification, it’s valid for 2 years. After this period, you’ll need to take a BLS Recertification course. This recertification course is a refresher, ensuring you’re updated on new techniques or guidelines. It’s typically shorter than the initial certification course.

What Should I Do If My BLS Certification Expires?

If your BLS certification expires, it’s crucial to undergo recertification as soon as possible. This ensures that you remain competent and can provide adequate care during emergencies.

Is BLS Training the Same as CPR Training

BLS training and CPR training are closely related but not precisely the same. BLS training encompasses a broader range of skills and knowledge than CPR training alone. Individuals learn how to perform high-quality CPR on different people of different ages (adults, old, children, infants, and pregnant women).

CPR training is a specific technique to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation until emergency medical help arrives. CPR training involves performing chest compression and rescue breaths to support the heart and lungs.

On the other hand, BLS training ensures that the trainee gets complete knowledge of CPR and other techniques for saving lives. A BLS training course includes CPR as a crucial component, using an AED device, airways management, and responding to choking emergencies. BLS training equips individuals with broader knowledge to respond to emergencies effectively.