When it comes to the most fundamental medical terms, CPR takes the win, as many people have a basic understanding of what the word means and how it gets performed. On the other hand, if you ask people if they've ever heard of "BLS," you'd probably get the answer, "no, what's that." However, BLS carries way more significance in terms of know-how and, of course, for saving a life.
Basic Life Support refers to a form of care provided by healthcare providers, first responders, and public safety experts to anyone suffering from life-or-death situations.
Individuals working in healthcare or as professional rescuers are required to complete a professional-level BSL training course. Moreover, BLS is also for prehospital providers such as firefighters, in-facility hospital staff, paramedics, and EMTs. However, anyone may sign up for the courses if they so desire.
So with that in mind, if you're working in the healthcare sector and wanting to be on the frontline of standardized care by earning a BLS certification, here's everything you need to know.
What Is a BLS Certification?
Several skills required to provide on-the-spot medical aid in a cardiovascular emergency are basic life support. A variety of institutions offer BLS certification. You can obtain certification from the American Heart Association, a very popular institute covering all the essential and basic life-saving principles. However, suppose you are already BLS-certified but looking to renew your credentials. In that case, you can apply for an aha bls renewal plan. By following a couple of steps, you can restore your certification.
Furthermore, after completing an appropriate course, anyone can obtain a BLS certification. Classes are offered continuously across the country and are designed under clinically recognized safety systems such as the cardiac chain of survival. Because of differences in state standards, specific instructions may differ slightly from one location to the next.
Who Must be BLS-Certified?
As we mentioned earlier, anyone can obtain a BLS certification. Still, there's a list of specific professionals who are bound to have it. These may include:
- Police officers
- Healthcare providers
- Firefighters
- Coaches
- Medical and nursing students
- Teachers
- Paramedics
- Daycare professionals
- Lifeguards
Not everyone in the categories above will need BLS certification; laws vary greatly depending on the organization and the state. If saving lives is an essential part of the job, other vocations may also require BLS certification. Even if you don't need to have a certification, getting one can be a wise decision. The process is easy and inexpensive. Your certification may give you an advantage when applying for many public-facing jobs. Best of all, you'll be able to take action with confidence if you see someone in need, whether out on the town or the job.
Steps to Becoming BLS-CERTIFIED
Becoming BLS-certified is not that hard. Here's a list of essential steps you need to follow:
1. Find a class
Finding a class that meets your budget and schedule is the first step in obtaining your BLS certification. Determine what your job or company requires—for example, some medical professions demand particular BLS training that must be updated every two years. Examine the American Heart Association's course offerings to determine which type is best for you. If you are not in the medical field, you may substitute a CPR class for a BLS class. Determine the exact type of certification required and then look for a course that meets that criteria.
2. Enroll and attend
Now that you've identified the type of training program you require look into registering with the organization of your choice. There are numerous course options available, so choose the one that works best for you. Some classes may require you to complete preliminary documentation or bring certain materials to class. Check this information thoroughly before attending the first session to ensure that you are prepared and complete your BLS training within the required timeframe.
3. Receive your certificate
You will be able to receive your accreditation once you have completed the course and passed any comprehension tests. If you hurry and need your certificate printed right away, contact your course provider or teacher. Submit your certificate to your employer for approval once you've received it, either physically or electronically. If you face any difficulties, contact your supervisor quickly to ensure that you have completed all necessary steps.
What Does the BLS Training Course Include?
BLS training will aid you in achieving proficiency in the following areas:
- Airway management, breathing, and chest compressions
- The cardiac chain of survival
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation – CPR
- Ventilations with a bag valve mask
- Use and insertion of nasal and oral airway adjuncts
- Ventilation with a barrier device
- Eliminating airway obstructions in choking victims
- CPR protocols
Conclusion
There you have it; a gist of BLS certification and how to earn it to provide care. BLS training aims to offer the tools needed to sustain or resuscitate someone undergoing a life-threatening event. With a certification, you'll know how to respond and react to someone experiencing a challenging situation. So go ahead – find a credible institution and start your training to become a lifesaver.