The concept of Basic Life Support (BLS) can be found in most countries around the world. BLS is a level of healthcare provided to victims of emergency cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. If a person collapses on the street or in a place where it will take time before full medical help, BLS can mean the difference between life and death. With this concept in mind, the American Heart Association releases updated BLS guidelines every few years to keep up with the new techniques for CPR that are a result of research.
Who does BLS?
Basic Life Support can be done by anybody who has received BLS training. Trainees who pass their enrolled BLS program are known as certified rescuers or first responders. The programs are open to anyone who wants to study basic CPR and other lifesaving skills. Unlike more comprehensive healthcare training programs, basic CPR classes do not require students to pass a pre-test in order to qualify to enrol for them.
How do I sign up?
Signing up is easy. There are number of ways prospective trainees can enrol in a program of their choice. Our providers give you the option of coursing your enrolment through the website. You can find an online application form on the homepage to get you started. Other ways to sign up include e-mail, telephone call, and walk-in at the facility. Our staff is known for being friendly and helpful so don’t hesitate to ask any questions.
What do I learn in the BLS program?
There are four kinds of BLS programs our provider offers. They vary in terms of the student audience (the general public or otherwide) and by result, course content.
Basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation
There are two basic CPR programs, one for (1) the general public and one (2) for people in healthcare – providers or students. The program teaches students basic CPR skills – focusing on chest compression, giving rescue breaths, and defibrillating. While there are 5 links in the chain of survival, basic CPR lessons can only focus on the first two to three steps: recognition of cardiac arrest, chest compressions, and defibrillation.
The program for the general public is an optional certification program. Students can choose not to take the post-test (a skills test) at the end of the program that will give them CPR credentials. The program for people in healthcare is a mandatory certification program. A skills test as well as a written exam is given to the student after the program is completed. Both are 4 hours long. No renewal classes are available.
BLS for healthcare providers
BLS for healthcare providers focuses on the entire 2010 BLS guidelines from the American Heart Association. In this 4.5 hour long program, students are taught 1 person and 2 person rescue for victims of cardiac arrest (compared to 1 person rescue in the basic CPR program). Using equipment such as AEDs (automated external defibrillators), barrier devices, and bag valve masks as also included. A renewal class is available for this program, 4 hours long.
If you need CPR training certification, choose one of our providers. We assure you that you will receive the highest quality training.