CPR vs BLS Comparison 2018
What? There’s a difference between CPR classes?????
Yes, there are different levels of CPR Training. Let’s look at some of those differences and discuss the meaning of those differences.
The most common BLS (Basic Life Support) for healthcare providers is through the American Heart Association and here is the course description: (aha.org)
The BLS Course trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations and provide early use of an AED. In the Instructor-led course, students participate in simulated clinical scenarios and learning stations. Students work with an AHA BLS Instructor to complete BLS skills practice and skills testing. Students also complete a written exam.
The American Red Cross is less common but also available: (redcross.org)
Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) uses a scenario-based approach to develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that drive better patient outcomes. It is consistent with AHA Guidelines for CPR/ECC, and covers breathing and cardiac emergencies – including CPR, AED, and obstructed airway – for adult, child, and infant patients. Courses are delivered nationwide by our expert instructors, and give you the flexibility to complete part of your training online through our dynamic Simulation Learning experience, which combines online coursework with in-person skills sessions, so you can earn your BLS certification your way..
This is the Description of the American Heart Association HeartSaver Course that is for Lay responders: (aha.org)
Heartsaver courses are designed for anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card for job, regulatory (for example, OSHA), or other requirements. These courses can also be taken by anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting. For many Heartsaver courses, students receive a course completion card that is valid for 2 years.