What is BLS Certification: A Comprehensive Guide?

Diving into the world of healthcare is thrilling and also rewarding in nature. Equip yourself with the skills to save lives during emergencies and protect those around you. BLS certification helps you stay updated and save a life during crucial hours. We are often intrigued about ways to help individuals around us, and what better way  than BLS certification. Learn what is bls certification.

What is BLS certification?

BLS certification is a qualification in the healthcare field that equips individuals with the necessary skills to respond promptly. Having a BLS certification ensures that you are well prepared to offer immediate medical aid to patients’ crises. This includes performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and relieving airway obstructions.

Obtaining a BLS certification is not just a necessity; it is about being equipped to save lives when called upon. The BLS-trained experts can venture into any emergency and provide immediate care until professionals arrive. Thus, earning the crucial healthcare badge helps you take a significant step towards a better tomorrow.

How can you obtain BLS certification?

Obtaining a BLS certification involves several steps, and there are several course options that suit distinct learning styles and schedules. Here are ways to obtain BLS certification:

1. Select a reputable provider: There are several organizations offering BLS certification; however, it is crucial to choose a reputable provider. Choosing a reputable provider will help you get a credible certification.
2. Register online for the course: Once a provider is chosen, you need to register for the course. Visit the provider’s website online and register.
3. Choose the learning style: Providers offer several flexible learning options to suit the needs of everyone. There are several providers offering full-classroom courses, blended learning options, and much more. Choose the right learning style.
4. Complete the training module: Soon after registration, you need to study the course materials and complete the module well. These cover critical life-saving techniques such as CPR mechanisms.
5. Pass the examination: After completing the training, you need to pass the certification exam and obtain the certification.

Read More: What are the Three C’s and the Three P’s of First Aid?

What does BLS training cover?

Basic life support (BLS) training is a vast program, equipping individuals with diverse critical skills and techniques to respond effectively during emergencies. Explore what BLS training covers:

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): CPR is among the most important skills acquired in basic life support, which includes chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing aimed at restoration of circulation and oxygenation, the maintenance of which is vital for an individual who has suffered a cardiac arrest.
2. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use: AED equipment helps in the resuscitation of cardiac arrest by sending a shock to the heart when indicated. BLS training teaches how to use the device as well as what safety measures to apply.
3. First Aid Management of Wounds: For the BLS curriculum, knowledge of handling wounds and injuries is critical. This deals with several things, from minor to severe cuts.
4. Rescue Breathing: This technique is beneficial in times when someone is not breathing but has a pulse. For example, when the person isn’t breathing but has a pulse, this kind of technology can be applied to them. 
5. Choking Relief: BLS training also covers ways to aid a person who is choking, and having the skill to act during daily life conditions is highly useful.
6. Recognition and Response to Emergency Situations: During the BLS training, recognizing various types of medical emergencies and knowing the right responses to the appropriate interventions is a key element.
7. Two-Thumb Encircling Hand Technique: This method, mostly for infants, gives pressure in two hands to compress lies around the entire chest.

How do you renew and maintain your BLS certification?

Renewing and maintaining your basic life support certification is crucial. Here is how to renew and maintain your BLS certification:

1. Find your certification expiration date: Be aware of when your certification expires. BLS certifications usually last for two years from the date of their issue. If your certification has expired for more than 30 days since the date of your renewal, you will need to complete the full BLS certification course to regain your certification.
2. Choose the right course: Depending on your schedule, you can pick the ideal type of course for renewal. These include instructor-led BLS provider courses.
3. Complete the renewal course: Once you have chosen your course, you need to go through the right materials and finish the course. The course usually takes approximately 3 hours to complete, including practice and testing.
4. Pass the examination: After finishing the course, you need to pass the certification examination to renew the certification.
5. Maintain the certification: Keep the certification valid, and ensure that you renew it every two years.

Read More: Requirements For BLS CPR Certification for Dentists

Conclusion

Basic life support is a critical part of training and equips individuals with the essential skills required to provide immediate life-saving skills. BLS training includes instruction on recognizing several medical emergencies and understanding the appropriate responses. Thus, this comprehensive program prepares healthcare professionals with essential skills to respond effectively during emergencies.