When you want to learn more about free BLS skills sessions, do know that Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR are common acronyms in the health and wellness industry, causing confusion among laypersons. Both BLS and cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR skills sessions come in handy during cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies for professional rescuers to save lives on time. Where nationally accredited cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR life-saving skills sessions are the best for lay responders, Basic Life Support or BLS includes CPR course training along with First Aid lessons. It becomes useful for medical and public safety professionals, especially when the course content aligns with the updated ECC guidelines.
This guide uncovers the differences and similarities between BLS training and CPR on Adults, Children and Infants and discusses their uses for medical professionals and laypeople alike. A study published by the National Institutes of Health found that 1,700 lives could be saved by the use of external defibrillators or AEDs. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or a bystander, you can lend a helping hand by learning both CPR and BLS aspects to save a life proactively.
If you want to be a Good Samaritan or be amongst the best professional rescuers, American CPR Care can help you take control of the emergencies you wish you could prevent.
At the American CPR Care Association, we care about providing training for people from every background. That’s why our cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR/AED certification programs have flexible schedules that the student controls.
We even offer a blended CPR learning option for those who wish to reap both online and hands-on training benefits. You will also learn the right differences between Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR courses when you enroll in one of those from the American CPR Care Association.
The courses include best and high-quality CPR knowledge when you opt CPR classes online. Same is with the BLS courses online.
What Is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR Certification?
CPR is a life-saving procedure performed on people in cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest means someone’s heart has stopped beating. Over the past century, medical professionals have honed and updated the best practices involved in this procedure that now comprise the CPR certification online curriculum.
CPR uses chest compressions and breathing techniques to keep the heart beating and oxygen circulating throughout the body until emergency medical services arrive to administer more advanced measures.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can increase the chances of survival or improve the chain of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest. Human tissue begins to die without oxygen, and even if revived, cardiac arrest can cause brain damage. CPR helps maintain circulation, which keeps the heart in a better condition to respond to defibrillation.
CPR is designed for anyone who wants to be more prepared for emergencies and who wants to help in situations when no one else can. Some professions require CPR certifications, such as lifeguards and personal trainers. Most, if not all, healthcare professions require CPR certification as well.
If you witness an emergency cardiac arrest and you are not CPR certified, you should still perform CPR chest compressions at 100-120 beats per minute. However, you should not try to perform rescue breathing.
The following are the steps to hands-only CPR if you are not certified: immediately call 911 and begin chest compressions. If you are uncertain of the correct way to administer chest compressions, the 911 operator will assist you. After you dial 911, place the phone on speaker so you can immediately begin compressions and speak simultaneously.
Unfortunately, most people who use hands-only CPR don’t apply enough pressure on their compressions to make a significant difference. That’s one reason why taking CPR courses helps save lives. When people have training on how much pressure to apply to their compressions, they are more likely to save lives.
Why People Don’t Favor Performing CPR?
- The person doesn’t recognize the subject needs CPR. If a person is unconscious, breathing abnormally, or suspected of a drug overdose, you should administer CPR.
- Lack of training creates tentativeness in people who worry they might hurt the person in need.
- Assisting family members can cause a wave of emotion that distracts one from administering CPR to the person in need. Calling 911 to talk to someone while performing CPR can have a calming effect that allows you to carry out the procedure.
CPR/AED courses help people avoid obstacles that prevent people from administering CPR. Public places also have an increasing number of AEDs, which increases the demand for people who can operate these devices.
Why You Should Learn CPR?
Cardiac arrests are among the most common causes of death in the United States, but they are not the only emergency requiring CPR. Some examples of other emergencies that require CPR are drug overdoses and drowning. CPR is also an appropriate alternative to back-slapping and the Heimlich maneuver if those approaches don’t work. Regardless of the type of emergency, understanding CPR has several potential benefits.
- CPR saves lives.
- Anyone can learn CPR.
- It Prevents brain damage.
- It Improves your composure in emergencies.
What Is BLS?
To understand clearly if BLS and CPR are the same, knowing “what is BLS?” is important. Basic Life Support (BLS) is a more advanced form of CPR/AED primarily reserved for health care and public safety professionals. Much like CPR/AED, BLS training providers understand how to respond to someone who is in cardiac arrest or respiratory distress by administering life-saving care until more advanced medical help arrives.
Those who have limited knowledge ask whether BLS is the same as first aid or CPR. But it is different than those two courses individually. The online Basic Life Support course by the American CPR Care Association is more comprehensive and advanced. It includes both CPR and first aid training sessions to get a better understanding of tackling common or rare medical emergencies occurring outside the hospital.
In other words, BLS typically refers to the type of care given by first responders and professional rescuers. It is also valid for two years, just like the CPR courses. But, in addition to CPR and AED training, certified BLS responders receive more intensive training in the following areas:
- Rapid Assessment and Visual Survey.
- CPR/AED for Adults, Children and Infants.
- Obstructed Airways.
- Opioid Overdoses.
- Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Communication and Teamwork.
- The Emergency Medical Services System.
- Legal Considerations.
- Precautions.
BLS certification online courses go more in-depth with their teaching on CPR/AED since healthcare professionals will likely have to use the skills more often. So, we can say that BLS training is an extension to CPR and AED classes. For example, BLS classes teach team dynamics, more advanced ventilation techniques, and how to respond to choking cases for all ages. Because healthcare professionals will probably have to use their skills sessions more often, BLS also educates students on the legal implications surrounding CPR/AED.
BLS courses have more first-aid measures than standard CPR/AED certification online courses that focus entirely on CPR and AED. Additional first-aid procedures include first-aid protocols for wounds and burns, fractions, and poisonings.
BLS or CPR/AED: Which Certification Should I Get?
The answer to this question depends on your reasoning for getting certified. If you already have your CPR/AED certification, and you’re considering entering the medical field or considering going to nursing school, BLS may be the right certification for you. However, if you just want to feel more confident in emergencies, the standard CPR/AED certification should suffice.
If you know your profession requires a CPR/AED certification, but they don’t specify which, it’s wise to ask your supervisor which you need to complete. Not having a clear designation for which certification, you need to complete is a common problem, teachers, personal trainers, and lifeguards experience with their respective companies.
If you’re in any healthcare field, including dentistry, BLS is the most appropriate certification.
Getting Certified Online
Whether you need your CPR/AED or BLS certification, there are easy ways to complete the courses online. These online methods allow you the convenience of controlling your schedule and completing the course at your preferred pace.
Both BLS and CPR/AED certifications expire after two years, increasing the need for convenient renewal methods. With the American CPR Care Association, you don’t pay until you complete the course, and we also offer a lifetime membership that covers your renewals for good. Additionally, as soon as you complete the course, you gain access to proof of your certification or renewal.
Get Your CPR/AED Certification Today
If your employer requires you to get a CPR/AED certification, or yours has expired, get started on your American CPR Association certification today. Not only will you feel accomplished for taking care of your employer’s requirements, but you’ll also feel confident in your ability to potentially save a life in an emergency.
