While everyone has heard of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and knows what it is and how to perform it, few have heard of BLS or Basic Life Support. If you've heard of it, you're probably wondering how it differs from CPR.
In addition, the option of taking these classes online makes certifications more accessible to people. In this blog, we'll go over what CPR and BLS are, how they differ, and how to decide whether a CPR or BLS certification is right for you.
What is BLS?
Basic Life Support (BLS) includes CPR but is a higher level of medical care typically provided by first responders, paramedics, healthcare providers, and qualified bystanders. BLS offers life-saving care for someone in respiratory distress or cardiac arrest until they receive more advanced medical attention at a hospital. These courses are mandatory for healthcare providers, but anyone with medical knowledge can also enroll in one of these courses to lay the groundwork for saving lives in the event of a cardiac arrest!
Because the average person lacks the medical knowledge required to assess a person's condition or perform airway maintenance, BLS is geared toward medical professionals or people with prior medical knowledge. BLS entails tasks like an initial evaluation and CPR for airway maintenance.
What is CPR?
CPR is a life-saving procedure performed on people whose hearts have stopped working in an emergency. CPR as we know it was invented in 1960, but techniques for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation date back centuries.
CPR entails blowing air into the victim's mouth to keep oxygen moving throughout the body while performing chest compressions to keep the heart beating until help arrives. CPR also increases the likelihood that the victim's heart will respond to defibrillation, which is another life-saving measure.
Anyone can become CPR certified, and depending on your profession, it may even be recommended or required.
What Is the Difference Between BLS and CPR Training?
CPR is taught in BLS certification classes, but because the class is intended for healthcare professionals, it is more in-depth than traditional CPR training. For example, a typical BLS course will cover single-rescuer and team basic life support skills, how to assess an emergency, precautions to take, and considerations when providing life-saving care. You may also learn additional first-aid skills such as wound and burn care and how to deal with fractures and poisoning.
Not everyone needs to be BLS certified because, in most cases, CPR certification is sufficient to provide lifesaving care in offices, schools, or other safe environments.
What are the Benefits of BLS and CPR Certification?
Increased Self-Belief: Working in certain professions, such as medicine, requires high confidence. This is especially true in emergencies requiring life-saving measures such as CPR. BLS training will give you the confidence to act quickly when needed, eliminating or significantly reducing any hesitation you may have.
Always Be Ready: Being prepared is an obvious benefit of BLS training, but due to its importance, it is worth mentioning. People who know basic life support are prepared to act no matter when needed, wherever they may be.
Increases Your Value To Employers: Employers frequently favor certified applicants who can perform basic first aid, including the ability to administer life-saving techniques, such as CPR, when hiring employees in specific fields. Getting BLS training or CPR Certified provides the skills that make you more eligible for potential employers.
Which Certification Do I Need?
The reason for your certification determines this. Traditional CPR certification is good if you want to feel more prepared in an emergency. Suppose your job requires a certificate but does not specify what type, inquire about their requirement in detail. A CPR certification will suffice to meet job requirements. This is particularly true for coaches, teachers, and daycare providers.
BLS certification is most appropriate if you work in the healthcare field, including dentistry. It will teach you the skills necessary to provide life-saving care outside of a medical setting.
With the terrible reality of the pandemic, people have become more aware of emergencies and are making extra effort. People are signing up for BLS course to learn more about saving lives. With the option to take them online, anyone can complete them at their convenience.
