Everything you need to know about Basic Life Support (BLS)
Basic life support (BLS) is a critical set of skills and techniques that are used to sustain life in emergency situations. These skills include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and airway management.
BLS training is essential for anyone who wants to be prepared to respond to a medical emergency. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of BLS training, including the skills you’ll learn and the benefits of getting certified.
What is Basic Life Support Training?
Basic life support training is designed to teach individuals how to provide immediate care to someone who is experiencing a medical emergency. BLS skills can be used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and even in public places.
BLS training typically includes instruction on the following skills:
- CPR: Cardiovascular resuscitation (CPR) is a technique that is used to keep blood and oxygen flowing to the body’s vital organs during a cardiac arrest. During CPR, the rescuer uses chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygenation.
- AED: An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a device that is used to restore a normal heart rhythm in someone who is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. BLS training includes instruction on how to use an AED safely and effectively.
- Airway management: This skill involves maintaining an open airway in someone who is having difficulty breathing. This can include techniques such as head-tilt chin-lift, jaw thrust, and suctioning.
Benefits of Basic Life Support Training
There are many benefits to getting certified in basic life support. Here are just a few:
- Increased confidence: Knowing how to respond to a medical emergency can give you the confidence you need to act quickly and effectively in a crisis.
- Better outcomes: When someone is experiencing a medical emergency, every second counts. BLS training can help you provide the necessary care quickly, which can improve the patient’s chances of survival.
- More job opportunities: Many healthcare and emergency response jobs require BLS certification, so getting certified can open up new job opportunities for you.
How to Get Certified in Basic Life Support
BLS certification courses are offered by a variety of organizations, including Elite Medical Training. These courses typically take several hours to complete and involve a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on practice.
To become certified in BLS, you’ll need to pass a written exam and demonstrate your skills in a practical test. Certification is typically valid for two years, after which you’ll need to take a refresher course to maintain your certification.
Basic life support training is an essential set of skills for anyone who wants to be prepared to respond to a medical emergency. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, first responder, or just someone who wants to be prepared, getting certified in BLS can give you the confidence you need to act quickly and effectively in a crisis. So if you haven’t already, consider signing up for a BLS certification course today.
