What’s the Difference Between BLS and CPR Certification?

Each minute that ticks by after a cardiac arrest counts. Without immediate life-saving aid, every 60 seconds that passes equals a 10% decrease in survival chances. We must be trained to be prepared for these events. Many people think that life support training and CPR training are the exact same thing. While they certainly share similarities, there are distinct differences between the two trainings. This blog will clarify the differences and similarities between BLS (Basic Life Support) Certification and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Certification so that you can get the training you need to be able to respond to many life-threatening emergencies. 

What Is CPR and AED Certification?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is “an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest” (American Heart Association). The primary goal of performing CPR on a person is to keep their blood flowing to the heart until medical personnel can arrive to resuscitate the individual.

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a “lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm and changes the rhythm back to normal” (American Heart Association). You would use an AED when someone experiences a sudden cardiac arrest.

Overview of ASHI CPR and AED Certification:

ASHI CPR & AED Certification is designed for the general public and non-medical personnel. This is a great class for you if you are a teacher, coach, childcare provider, workplace employee, or anyone who wants to be able to help. The minimum age for the CPR & AED Certification Class taught by Rescue Training Institute is twelve years old. It takes 3 hours to complete, is certified by The American Safety & Health Institute, and the certification lasts two years before you should renew it.

In the CPR & AED Certification Class taught by Rescue Training Institute, you will learn: 

• Recognizing an Emergency
• Chain of Survival 
• Using Personal Protective Equipment
• How to do chest compressions
• How to do rescue breaths
• Legal Considerations: Consent, Implied Consent, Abandonment, & Good Samaritan Laws
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for infants, children, and adults
• How to use an Automated External Defibrillation
• How to help someone who is choking
• How to help someone who is overdosing/how to use Narcan 
• And more

What Is BLS Certification?

According to the American Red Cross, BLS (Basic Life Support) “generally refers to the type of care that first-responders, healthcare providers, and public safety professionals provide to anyone who is experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, or an obstructed airway. It requires knowledge and skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using automated external defibrillators (AED) and relieving airway obstructions in patients of every age.” 

Overview of AHA BLS (American Heart Association Basic Life Support) Certification:

An AHA BLS is an emergency-response training designed specifically for healthcare providers such as nurses, occupational therapists, lifeguards, emergency response team (EMTs), dental professionals, and more. It is a requirement in many states, including California, for most healthcare professionals. The minimum age for the AHA BLS Certification Class taught by Rescue Training Institute is sixteen years old. It takes 4.5 hours to complete,  is certified by the American Heart Association, and the certification lasts two years before you should renew it.

In the AHA Basic Life Support Certification Class taught by Rescue Training Institute, you will learn: 

• High-quality CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants.
• How to assess an emergency scene 
• Legal Considerations
• Chain of Survival
• CPR for adults, children, and infants
• Using an AED and Bag-Mask Device
• Team Dynamics
• Foreign body airway obstruction and advanced airway considerations
• Conducting an Exam
• Following guidelines set by the American Heart Association (AHA).
  

Is BLS the Same as CPR?

Every Basic Life Support training class includes being certified in CPR, but not all CPR certifications are BLS. BLS is more advanced, covers more scenarios, and is required for clinical roles. CPR (ASHI) is basic and typically not sufficient for healthcare employment. When thinking about BLS vs CPR AED classes, an easy way to remember which is which is that BLS comes first in alphabetical order and is for first responders.  Staying current with your industry standard AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers Certification ensures that you are ready to assist and save a life in many sudden cardiac events and other emergencies.

BLS vs. CPR AED Certifications

How to Get Certified Through Rescue Training Institute

Rescue Training Institute provides both ASHI CPR & AED Certification and AHA Basic Life Support Certification. There are multiple benefits of learning through the Rescue Training Institute: it’s tailored to fit your specific industry, RTI has been around for 30 years, RTI will travel to your location to train you, and RTI students find the classes interesting and enjoyable!

There is nothing more valuable than being able to save a life. Being certified in AHA BLS or ASHI CPR and AED, depending on your industry, is one of the most important steps you can take to be trained in lifesaving techniques. Contact Rescue Training Institute today for guidance on the best certification for you.