Basic Life Support

What is BLS?

Basic Life Support is by name, the basic level of, but the most important level of care that can be given to someone who is experiencing cardiac arrest or respiratory distress. BLS includes the following skills: 

• Recognition of life-threatening emergencies: This includes recognizing the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest, overdose, choking, and other life-threatening emergencies.

• Chest compressions: Chest compressions are used to circulate blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs when the heart is not beating.

• Ventilation: Ventilation is the process of delivering air to the lungs using a bag-valve-mask device(BVM).

• Use of an AED: An AED is an automated external defibrillator. It can be used to defibrillate/shock the heart back from dysrhythmia into a normal cardiac rhythm.

Who should take a BLS course?

Everyone should learn how to help someone in a life-threatening emergency and should take a BLS course to establish proficiency in the skill. This includes anyone who works in healthcare, public safety, education, or any job with interaction with the public, as well as anyone who wants to be prepared to help in an emergency.

What is covered in a BLS course?

A BLS course typically covers the following topics:

• Science of Resuscitation: This includes understanding how the heart works and how to deliver chest compressions and ventilations.

• Signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and respiratory distress: This includes learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of these emergencies so that you can act quickly.

• Techniques for successful chest compressions and ventilations: This includes learning how to give chest compressions and ventilations effectively.

• Correct usage of an AED: This includes learning how to use an AED and how to recognize when it is/is not appropriate to use one.

How long does a BLS course take?

• BLS

  • Initial Course - 4/5 hours

  • Heartcode Hybrid Course - 2 Hours

Which Course is Right for you?

• Initial Course - The initial course is perfect for 1st-time certifiers but can be taken for recertification as well. The longer course time allows for more in-depth instructor/student lecturing and guidance.

• Heartcode Hybrid Course - The hybrid course was developed for initial and recertification. Allowing the learners to complete the majority of the program online(including the written exam requirement), and only requiring them to pass a practical skill test in person.

  • Purchase of the AHA Heartcode online course is necessary for completion and skill assessment. The link is available on the store page.

How much does a BLS course cost?

• BLS

  • Initial Course - $125

  • Skills Evaluation Only- $85

Is BLS certification required?

BLS certification is not required in all job settings. However, it is often required for people who work in healthcare, public safety, child care, or education.

What are the benefits of taking a BLS course?

There are many benefits to taking a BLS course. These include:

• Learning how to perform high-quality CPR accurately

• Gaining confidence in your ability to help someone in a cardiac emergency: This could help you act quickly and effectively.

• Meeting the requirements for certification: If you are required to be certified in BLS, taking a course will help you to meet the requirements.