HeartCert CPR Training

Training Heroes Everyday in CPR

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The Difference between a BLS and a Heartsaver Course

With so many CPR certification courses out there, it can be hard to figure out which one you need. Whether you’re signing yourself up for a course or organizing training for a group of people or team, there are a couple of things to consider: Why are you looking to take a CPR course? What level of skills are you looking to obtain?

Here at HeartCert, we offer various types of instruction that pertain to your needs and certifications. In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between BLS and Heartsaver courses, so you can make the right choice for your particular needs.

CPR instructor placing AED on training dummy during HeartSaver CPR course

 

What’s a BLS Course?

BLS (Basic Life Support) courses are the more technical training programs that last around four hours and teach healthcare providers and other medical professionals to respond in emergencies. Unlike your typical CPR class, the BLS course is designed to offer more advanced skills and is frequently used for these professions:

  • Nurses
  • Doctors
  • Hospital and clinic personnel
  • Dental assistants

The four-hour basic life support course trains you in recognizing and responding to various life-threatening emergencies. Throughout the duration of the BLS course, you will learn:

  • Rescuer CPR techniques 1 and 2
  • CPR for adults, children, and infants
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED) utilization
  • Advanced choking relief techniques
  • And more

For more hands-on medical roles, American Heart Association courses like BLS cover the basics, plus more advanced tools to utilize in case of an emergency. Centered around real-world scenarios, the training is both practical and applicable for health professionals.

What’s a Heartsaver Course?

Heartsaver First Aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is ideal for non-medical professionals who need the training for their job or for anyone interested in learning how to respond in emergencies. Whether you’re working at a daycare, school, or simply want to have the information on hand if you need it, the Heartsaver CPR training options are an easy way to learn the essential basics. In this course, you’ll learn to:

  • Complete basic first aid
  • Utilize CPR
  • Offer AED assistance
  • Recognize cardiac arrest
  • Provide help until EMS arrives

The Heartsaver course is perfect for individuals who have little to no medical training but want the life-saving tools in their arsenal just in case heart situations occur. 

What Other Courses Does HeartCert Offer?

HeartCert has an array of CPR courses and First Aid certification classes to ensure you and your group or team get the right educational tools. Some of our other programs include:

Curious about our other CPR classes?

Explore CPR Certification Courses

Is a BLS or Heartsaver Course the Best Option?

The bottom line: Answering the question, “Which CPR course do I need?” and determining whether the BLS or Heartsaver course is right for you depends on your role, requirements, and goals. If you’re in a medical role, chances are that the BLS is the best course to progress with. If you’re in a less healthcare-dominated field, the Heartsaver course is a great option to learn basic care without all the advanced information.

Find a BLS or Heartsaver Course Location Near You

HeartCert makes it easy to find quality, affordable training for BLS and Heartsaver courses with online and in-person classes. Determine which course best fits your needs and certifications, and connect with us to sign up at a location near you. Our certified trainers provide proper instruction and real-life scenarios to ensure the information makes an impact. Whether you need solo instruction at one of our locations or an on-site group training event, reach out today to get started.

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This is an updated blog that was originally published in 2016.

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

Courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

How to Organize CPR Training for Your Employees

Do you know if your workforce is prepared for an emergency? You never know when or where you’ll be when the need for a medical emergency occurs, but when we spend 40+ hours in the same place each week, the probability of such an event occurring at the workplace increases.

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 10,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur in the workplace each year in the United States.

Implementing regular CPR training sessions and ensuring easy access to AEDs are proactive steps employers can take to enhance workplace safety and preparedness. Having trained staff can make the difference between life and death in the event of a workplace emergency; in this article, you’ll learn how you can easily organize CPR training for your employees.

What Types of Businesses Should Provide CPR Training?

While every workplace can benefit from CPR-certified staff, some industries have a higher need for quick emergency response. 

Here are a few examples:

  • Healthcare & Assisted Living Facilities
  • Childcare & Education
  • Construction & Manufacturing
  • Hospitality & Food Service
  • Gyms & Fitness Centers
  • Corporate Offices
  • Retail Stores & Shopping Centers

Choose the Right CPR Course Format

Next, you’ll want to determine what type of CPR course format is ideal for your employees. For businesses and large organizations, onsite CPR training is the most common method. This makes for an engaging experience for your employees and is often viewed as a team-building experience as well. For some groups, especially small businesses or varying schedule availability, you may decide to offer your employees online CPR certification options. You’ll also want to verify if the CPR class you are considering is an AHA or Red Cross-approved course. If you’re not sure what type of course is best for your organization, you can discuss your options with the CPR and first aid training provider you are planning to work with for recommendations. 

Partner With a Certified CPR Training Provider

Working with a certified CPR training provider, such as HeartCert, makes offering group CPR classes to your employees easy. Find a reputable CPR training provider by searching for an organization that offers training near you. You’ll want a training provider that offers the class type that works best for your employees and flexible scheduling that works for your business. It may be important that the training provider offers AHA or Red Cross-approved courses or can offer OSHA classes as well. We recommend looking at reviews and testimonials that demonstrate the training provider excels at group CPR trainings for employees.

Set a Schedule and Promote the Training

Once you determine which CPR training provider is the right partner for your company, you’ll work with them to find an ideal time for your employee CPR training that minimizes workplace disruption. Depending on your industry, you may choose to require employees to attend, or you can make the training an optional perk and encourage participation. You may want to use a sign-up sheet or an online registration platform, especially if you are a larger company or are offering multiple CPR certification sessions.

Track Participation and Certification Status

If you plan to regularly offer group first aid and CPR training to your employees, you’ll want to keep records of their certifications and when they will need to renew again. Some CPR training providers, such as HeartCert, will track the status of your employee safety training and CPR certification to make the process easy and manageable. 

Schedule CPR Training For Employees

When you invest in CPR training for your employees it can be more than just a step towards compliance, it’s a way of showing a commitment to their safety and well-being. By organizing CPR certification courses, you’re empowering your team with the skills to respond during critical moments and potentially saving lives. 

Don’t wait for an emergency to highlight the importance of preparedness. Schedule your group first aid and CPR training today to promote a safer workplace and give your employees the confidence to handle unforeseen situations.

Schedule Today

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

Courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available. We offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.