Step-by-Step Guide: What to Expect in a Basic Life Support Course?

It is challenging to strive for the right work-life balance in today’s busy world. The best way to make a mark in your corporate life is to take a life-saving course from a reputed institute. A basic life support course is the best for people working in the healthcare sector. The certification can help you learn much about saving lives and looks good on your resume. This article talks about BLS certification and its use in building your career. 

Overview of BLS certification and recertification

The history of BLS certification dates back to the early 1950s. It was during this time that the AHA first published its BLS guidelines. These guidelines undergo updates regularly. It reflects the latest medical knowledge and techniques. BLS certification has been a valuable tool for emergency medical personnel for decades. BLS certification helps save lives and is integral to emergency medical training.

A few things taught in a BLS certification include the following:

1. It covers assessing a patient’s condition, treating injuries, administering medications, and performing CPR.
2. You also learn to use AED to help restore heart rate when a person is in cardiac arrest. 
3. BLS certification teaches how to recognize a variety of life-threatening conditions. The course also helps you to respond appropriately. 
4. It provides knowledge in recognizing and responding to cardiac arrest, stroke, and choking. 
5. It also covers rescue breathing techniques, chest compressions, and how to use an AED. 
6. BLS certification includes training on how to use medical equipment. You learn to use backboards and medical kits. 
7. It also provides information on recognizing the signs and symptoms of various medical conditions. A good course teaches you signs such as heart attack and shock. 
8. BLS certification includes instruction on communicating effectively with other medical personnel and patients.
9. You can provide patients with the most effective and safe care with a revised course. A recertification course helps you stay current on the latest techniques. A BLS recertification course covers adult and pediatric CPR. Most courses also cover AED use, choking relief, and more. 

How to help someone in medical emergencies that occur outside the hospital?

An emergency does not come announced. Humans must stay empathetic and considerate to help a person in a crisis. But, you can only assist another person with knowledge and training. Below points mentioned highlight some out-of-hospital emergencies and their first-aid solutions.

1. Choking: A person can choke on food, or an object blocks their airway. Help the person by performing the Heimlich maneuver or abdominal thrusts. 
2. Heart Attack: A person may experience confusing symptoms during a heart attack. You should call emergency medical help and make the patient take deep breaths. 
3. Stroke: A person experiencing a stroke may have facial drooping. Some people develop paralysis on one side of the body. You need to call 911 immediately. Ask the person to lie still while they wait for medical help.
4. Seizure: During an episode, most people experience shaking. Clear the area of sharp objects and cushion the person’s head. 
5. Diabetic Emergency: A person with low blood sugar looks tired and weak. You can easily confuse this ailment with heat stroke. Offer the person something sugary to drink, like juice or a soft drink, and call 911. 
6. Allergic Reaction: An allergic reaction shows in hives or facial swelling. Give the person an epinephrine auto-injector, if available, and call 911. 
7. Heat Stroke: A person experiencing heat stroke may have headaches, dizziness, and confusion. Move the person to a calm, shady area and call 911. Give them fluids to drink and cool, wet clothes to the skin.

What is it to be BLS certified in the US?

BLS stands for Basic Life Support. It is a certification for healthcare professionals in the US. It teaches healthcare professionals how to respond to medical emergencies. You also learn to perform CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Taking a BLS certification opens many avenues for the participants. You can work in any of the following fields.

1. Hospitals: BLS certification is mandatory for many jobs, such as nurses, doctors, and paramedics. 
2. Schools: Coaches and school nurses often require BLS certification to work.
3. Nursing Homes: Staff at a nursing home need a BLS certification to assist patients better.  
4. Medical Offices: Other healthcare staff in medical offices can get a position by taking a BLS certification. 
5. Emergency Services: Every medical technician (EMT) and paramedic needs this course. 
6. Home Health Care: Home health aides and other healthcare staff can help save lives with this certification. 
7. Government Agencies: Many federal and state employees need to take a BLS course. It helps them save lives and fulfill their duty.
   

Conclusion

Taking BLS training instills confidence in the student. You stay better prepared to handle hospital emergencies. The American HealthCare Academy has courses that cover topics including CPR and AED. Check out the AHCA website for more details on the BLS course. Or pick up the phone and dial 1-888-277-7865 for more information.