Who Needs BLS Certification?

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification equips individuals with the important skills to respond effectively during medical emergencies. But many people are unsure about whether they need this valuable training. In this article, we’ll talk about exactly who needs BLS certification and why it’s a wise investment for personal and professional growth.

What is BLS Certification?

BLS Certification is a course and certification given to individuals, especially healthcare professionals, that trains them in providing basic life-saving techniques in emergency situations. It primarily focuses on teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid skills necessary to sustain life until advanced medical support arrives.

In simple terms, BLS Certification ensures that an individual has been properly trained and has demonstrated proficiency in performing CPR, using an automated external defibrillator (AED), and providing basic first aid. This certification is mandatory for many healthcare professionals and is often required for individuals working in settings where they may need to respond to medical emergencies, such as lifeguards, fitness instructors, or childcare workers.

Who Needs the AHA BLS Certification?

The simple answer is: everyone should have BLS certification. It is a fundamental requirement for a diverse range of individuals and professionals who are involved in assessing patients with different medical emergencies. From healthcare professionals to laypersons in various settings, the need for BLS certification underscores the importance of being prepared to provide life-saving interventions when seconds count. If I have to select professions that require Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, they would include but are not limited to the following:

Healthcare Professionals:

Doctors, nurses, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are among the primary individuals who require BLS certification and the certificate is compulsory to these professionals. Because these professionals often encounter critical situations where immediate intervention can mean the difference between life and death, the acquisition of the basic life skill (BLS) knowledge is crucial.

In hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers, healthcare staff must be equipped with the skills to initiate CPR, use AEDs, and manage airway obstructions until advanced medical assistance arrives, which is why acquiring BLS certification (can be done online) for medical professionals has become mandatory.

Find out: Is BLS Certification Necessary for Entry-Level Nursing Jobs?

First Responders:

First responders are police officers, firefighters, and other individuals who frequently find themselves in situations where they are the first on the scene of a medical emergency. First responders are the ones who initially assess victims and patients before the arrival of advanced medical teams. Which is why BLS training is an essential skill they need in their daily life.

BLS training enables these professionals to provide critical assistance to individuals experiencing cardiac arrest, choking, or other life-threatening conditions, often serving as the initial link in the chain of survival. They learn to deliver high quality CPR on different age patients along with respiratory management and AED usage.

Educators and Coaches:

Teachers, coaches, and daycare providers may also benefit from BLS certification as they are responsible for the safety and well-being of children and students. The need of BLS certification for educators and coaches are not mandatory but depending on the age group they coach may require BLS certification.

Having BLS knowledge is a plus point. Educators with the skills to respond confidently in the event of a medical emergency, such as sudden cardiac arrest or choking, potentially saves lives within educational environments and that’s the first principle of BLS, saving lives.

Workplace Safety Teams:

Many workplaces, especially those in high-risk industries such as construction or manufacturing establish safety teams trained in BLS.

Employees with BLS certification can promptly respond to injuries or medical emergencies that occur on-site, mitigating risks and providing immediate care until professional medical help arrives.

Community Members:

Community members referred to as the general public. While not mandatory, BLS certification is valuable for members of the general public who wish to be prepared to assist in emergencies. It’s an additional skill that a layman can carry on to quickly take action during emergency situations of cardiac arrest and choking. Taking a BLS certification course is highly recommended to the person whose family members are at high risk of cardiac arrest.

Anyone who is limited by work time may join online courses and get access to online materials that are accessible by anyone, anywhere and at any time. Online BLS certification is valid nationwide and accepted widely.

What Jobs Can I Get with BLS Certification?

First of all, BLS is not a job skill but surely is a great skill that distinguishes your resume from others while applying for a job though it may not be required by the employer. “What jobs require BLS certification” is the right way to ask yourself instead “What jobs can I get.” While thinking about jobs that require BLS certification a straight thought of occupations like nurses, doctors, EMTs, and firefighters breeze our mind but there are other occupations that require BLS training and certification not because it’s mandatory but it’s essential for their job role:

1. Educators
2. Childcare Providers
3. Special Needs/Elderly/Companion Care Providers
4. Coaches/Referees
5. Personal Trainers
6. Physical Therapists
7. Residence Assistants and Staff Members
8. Tour/Adventure/Outdoor Guides
9. Park Rangers
10. Pharmacists
11. Construction Workers
12. Electricians
13. Flight Attendants
14. Jail and Prison Staff
15. Lifeguards
16. Swim Instructors
17. Medical Office Personnel
18. Social Workers
19. Security Personnel
20. Animal Control Officers/Veterinarian Technicians

Related post: 10 Reasons to Get Your BLS Certification Online

How to Obtain BLS Certification?

The certification is obtained by attending a BLS training course, which typically includes both theoretical and practical components, and passing a hands-on skills evaluation. Upon successful completion, the individual receives a BLS certification card or certificate, which is valid for a certain period (usually 2 years) before needing to be renewed through a recertification process.

BLS certification is essential for a wide range of individuals across various professions and settings. Whether it’s healthcare professionals in clinical settings, first responders in the field, educators in schools, or community members in everyday life, having the knowledge and skills provided by BLS training can make a crucial difference in saving lives during emergencies.

Join our online BLS Certification course. We provide comprehensive course materials and an immediate feedback system to make sure you are complied with the AHA guidelines and developing.