Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is a crucial credential for individuals involved in healthcare, emergency response, and anyone interested in being prepared to assist in life-threatening situations. This comprehensive guide will provide you with an in-depth understanding of BLS certification, including what it is, why it's important, who should get certified, and how to obtain BLS certification.
What is BLS?
BLS stands for Basic Life Support. It refers to skills required to provide on-the-spot medical aid in a cardiopulmonary emergency, breathing emergencies, and other critical emergencies for adults and children. It teaches single-rescuer, multi rescuer resuscitation, and effective team basic life support skills for application in both pre-hospital settings and in-facility environments. It will train you to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, including heart attacks and cardiac arrests. It will also teach you how to give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations, and provide an Automated External Defibrillator.
Basic Life Support skills can be performed outside the hospital setting by emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and other healthcare professional. Public safety professionals and other healthcare-related occupations such as nurses and doctors tend to take BLS classes because of the additional skills they need to use regularly.
How to get BLS Certification?
Getting BLS certification typically involves completing a training course provided by organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross. BLS certification is often required for healthcare professionals, first responders, and individuals in certain job roles, as it teaches the skills needed to provide life-saving assistance in emergency situations. Here are the general steps to get BLS certification:
- Find a BLS Training Provider: Identify a reputable training provider in your area. You can check the websites of organizations like the AHA or the American Red Cross to find authorized BLS training centers near you.
- Choose a BLS Training Format: Training is often available in different formats, including in-person classes and online courses with an in-person skills assessment. Choose the format that best suits your schedule and learning preferences.
- Register for the BLS Course: Register for the BLS course offered by your chosen training provider. You may need to provide personal information and payment for the course fee.
- Complete the BLS Course: Attend the BLS course and complete all required modules or sessions. In the course, you will learn essential BLS skills, including CPR, AED use, and techniques for assisting choking victims.
- Pass the Skills Assessment: If you take an online course with an in-person skills assessment, you'll need to schedule and pass this assessment to demonstrate your proficiency in BLS techniques.
- Take the Written Exam: Some courses may include a written exam. If required, pass the exam to demonstrate your understanding of BLS principles and techniques.
- Receive Certification: After successful completion of the learning courses, you will receive your digital certification through instant download. The official completion card will be shipped in 2-5 business days. And to keep your current certification active, you have to take certification renewal classes every 2 years.
- Maintain Certification: To maintain your BLS certification, you will need to take a BLS renewal course before your certification expires. Be sure to keep track of your certification expiration date and renew it as needed to stay current.
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