Are you looking to become CPR and BLS certified but unsure where to start? The process of becoming a certified lifesaver is critical and fulfilling. The American Heart Association claims that every minute without CPR lowers the likelihood of survival.
From choosing an accredited course to taking the exam to renewing your certification, this article will walk you through each step. Are you ready to save lives?
What Is BLS Certification?
BLS Certification is a training program that teaches individuals how to perform life-saving techniques like CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) skills.
Who Needs To Be Certified?
Many healthcare workers need to be BLS certified. These workers comprise physicians, nurses, and medical staff who work directly with patients during critical moments. Emergency responders such as paramedics, EMTs, police officers, and firefighters also need certifications.
Even certain occupations outside the healthcare domain like lifeguards benefit from holding this certification. In fact, for some roles and volunteer positions like hospital staff or law enforcement officers, having a BLS certification is not just beneficial but mandatory as well.
What Does the Certification Cover?
The BLS certification teaches techniques for saving lives in both prehospital and in-facility environments. It concentrates on Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
This training helps healthcare providers, nursing students, and police officers, respond appropriately during emergencies.
Included in this comprehensive course is knowledge on how to manage foreign-body airway obstruction or choking. Participants learn the necessary precautions to take when administering CPR or AED while considering legal aspects related to these emergency services.
Making decisions under pressure becomes easier after getting certified as it prepares you for various critical situations.
Benefits of BLS Certification
BLS certification offers many benefits beyond just fulfilling job requirements. This certification helps individuals respond quickly to cardiac emergencies, potentially saving lives.
It teaches life-saving skills like CPR, providing the ability to make immediate and crucial decisions in high-pressure situations.
For healthcare professionals, having BLS skills is especially important as these skills are used regularly in both prehospital and in-facility settings. In addition to learning emergency response, this course improves your ability to use first aid skills in both professional and everyday situations. It can enhance your personal life and be very useful.
Steps To Become CPR and BLS Certified
To become CPR and BLS certified, you need to find an accredited course, enroll and study the materials, take the exam, and remember to renew your certification.
Find an Accredited Course
Accredited courses are available for individuals who want to become CPR and BLS certified. This training is offered by the American Heart Association, the Red Cross, and HSI.
Additionally, the NationalCPRFoundation provides online certification options in CPR, Basic First Aid, and BLS. It is important to choose an accredited course as it ensures that you receive high-quality training from trusted sources.
By taking one of these courses, you can learn the skills and knowledge necessary to respond to emergencies effectively and potentially save lives.
Enroll and Study Course Materials
To become CPR and BLS certified, the first step is to enroll in a recognized course. You can find accredited courses offered by organizations like the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
Once you sign up, you’ll receive materials that cover topics like using an automated external defibrillator (AED), emergency medical training, and lifesaving techniques.
Study these materials to understand CPR guidelines and resuscitation techniques. By dedicating time to studying these materials, you’ll be ready for the exam.
Remember, BLS certification is very useful for healthcare professionals because it meets their continuing medical education requirements and puts you one step above the competition. Additionally, keep in mind that there are online options available from reputable providers like the American HealthCare Academy or NationalCPRFoundation if classroom-based learning is not feasible for you.
Take the Exam
To become CPR and BLS certified, you will need to take the exam. This is a crucial certification test that evaluates your ability and proficiency in saving lives.
The exam will evaluate you on different subjects such as CPR, essential life support skills, and emergency response protocols. To prepare for the exam, it’s important to enroll in an approved course and study the materials provided.
Once you pass the test, you will get your certification which lasts for a specific time. Remember to renew it to keep up with the latest guidelines and techniques necessary for effective CPR and BLS care.
Renewing Your Certification
To maintain your CPR and BLS certification, it’s important to renew it regularly. BLS certification is valid for two years, and you have the option to renew it both online or in-person through the Red Cross.
American Heart Association certifications for CPR and AED skills also need to be renewed every two years. With convenient online options for BLS renewal courses, the American Heart Association makes it easier than ever to keep your skills current.
During the renewal process, be prepared for hands-on skills testing, which may include practicing techniques like the abdominal thrust maneuver.
Can You Get BLS Certification Online?
For those who want to become BLS certified, online certification options are available, providing a convenient and flexible way to learn lifesaving skills from the comfort of your own home.
Online Certification Options
There are several online certification options available for obtaining BLS certification. There are online courses offered by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association that cover the skills and knowledge required for BLS certification.
These courses are intended to be convenient and accessible, allowing individuals to study at their own pace from the comfort of their own homes. The latest scientific guidelines for BLS are included in the online BLS courses, ensuring that students receive the most current training.
Upon successful completion of an online course, individuals will receive the same BLS Course Completion Card as they would from an in-person course. Whether you’re looking for a free or paid option, there are various web-based programs and platforms available to meet your needs.
Accreditation and Validity
Having valid and employer-recognized BLS certification is crucial. Therefore, you need to make sure that your certification is valid and recognized by employers. The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association are widely accepted accrediting bodies for BLS certification.
Many employers, especially those in the healthcare industry, only recognize certifications from these reputable organizations. It’s important to know that not all employers accept online CPR certifications. Check with your current or potential employer to learn more about their policies.
BLS certification cards typically remain valid for two years from the date of issuance, after which they require renewal.
Costs and Resources for BLS Certification
BLS certification costs vary depending on the provider and location, with prices typically ranging from $50 to $200. Resources such as study materials, practice exams, and online support may be included in the cost or available at an additional fee.
It is important to research different options and compare prices before enrolling in a BLS certification course.
Pricing Options
Pricing options for BLS certification can vary depending on the provider and location. Different providers may offer variations in costs and resources for BLS training.
Additionally, some online platforms offer free BLS courses, such as those provided by the American Heart Association. They also provide convenient online renewal courses for those who need to renew their certification.
Whether you choose an online or location-based course, finding a BLS certification course that suits your needs is essential for obtaining the necessary skills to save lives.
Additional Resources and Support
The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association are two widely recognized providers of BLS certification. Both organizations offer additional resources and support to individuals seeking BLS certification.
Resources such as mobile apps, videos, and interactive training tools are available from the American Heart Association to enhance your learning experience. Moreover, several colleges and technical schools include BLS courses in their programs, giving students more hands-on support in the classroom.
To learn more about extra resources and support choices for BLS certification, go to the American Heart Association’s official website.
You will find detailed information about their training programs there, as well as links to other helpful resources, such as CPR recertification guidelines or first aid training materials.
Conclusion
To become CPR and BLS certified, sign up for an accredited Basic Life Support (BLS) course from reliable organizations like the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
These courses cover essential lifesaving skills such as CPR and AED techniques. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, first responder, or simply want to be prepared to help in emergencies, earning your BLS certification is crucial.
Don’t wait – enroll today and gain the knowledge and confidence to potentially save a life.
Author Bio for Kate Macmorn
Kate Macmorn
Communications Director
Kate is the communications director for the American Medical Resource Institute, where they’ve trained over a million healthcare professionals to study for, earn and maintain life support certifications that allow them to better respond to cardiac emergencies. When not in the office, you can find Kate practicing her tennis skills. She also frequents live music venues and is always looking for her next creative hobby.
