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What is BLS Certification for Healthcare Professionals?
BLS, or Basic Life Support, certification is a type of training that healthcare professionals can complete to learn how to provide basic life support in emergencies. This article will look closely at BLS certification and what it means for healthcare professionals. We’ll also discuss why this training is important and how you can become certified in BLS.
What Is Basic Life Support Certification?
BLS (Basic Life Support) certification is a training program for healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, and EMTs. It teaches them the necessary skills and techniques to support patients in cardiac arrest or respiratory distress emergencies.
In addition to providing basic life support in emergency situations, BLS certification can also help healthcare professionals feel more confident in their ability to provide care and save lives. It is an important credential for healthcare professionals, as it demonstrates their commitment to providing high-quality care to their patients.
BLS vs. First Aid
BLS certification differs from First Aid in that it is more comprehensive and focuses on emergency medical care. First Aid, on the other hand, First Aid is a more general term that refers to the immediate care given to an injured or sick person. First Aid can include a range of treatments, such as wound care, splinting, and basic life support.
BLS vs CPR
BLS Certification is also different from CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). While CPR is a key component of BLS, it is not the only aspect of BLS. BLS includes a range of other procedures, such as using an automated external defibrillator (AED), managing airways and ventilation, and recognizing and treating other emergencies, such as stroke and choking.
What Does BLS Certification Entail?
A BLS (Basic Life Support) certification may include training in the following areas:
1. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): includes chest compressions to try and restart the heart and lungs.
2. Automated external defibrillation (AED): Using an AED device to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm during a cardiac arrest.
3. Choking relief: Techniques for clearing an airway obstruction in a choking victim.
4. Opioid overdose response: Recognizing and responding to opioid overdose, including naloxone (Narcan), to reverse the effects of the overdose.
5. Shock management: Identifying and responding to various types of shock, including hypovolemic, septic, and cardiogenic shock.
6. Advanced airway management: Techniques for maintaining and establishing an open airway in a patient.
7. Stroke recognition and management: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke and providing appropriate care.
BLS certification typically requires successful completion of a course taught by a certified instructor and passing knowledge and skills exams. It usually requires ongoing, continuing education to maintain.
Who Should Receive BLS Certification?
BLS certification, like that from the American Medical Resource Institute, is typically required for healthcare professionals who work in hospital settings, such as nurses, doctors, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
Certification is also necessary for EMTs, paramedics, and other medical professionals who provide emergency care outside hospitals.
Other healthcare professionals, such as dental assistants and physical therapists, may be called upon to provide emergency care in certain situations. These healthcare professionals benefit from BLS certification because it ensures they can provide the best possible care in various settings.
BLS training is especially important in rural areas, where access to medical facilities may be limited and emergency response times may be longer than in more populated areas. Qualified bystanders trained in CPR and AED can help save lives, especially when no medical professionals are present.
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How to Get Certified
To get BLS (Basic Life Support) certification, you can follow these steps:
1. Find an accredited BLS training provider: BLS training is typically provided by American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC). You can search for certified training providers in your area by visiting the AHA or ARC websites.
2. Register for a BLS course: Once you have found a training provider, you can register for a BLS course online or by contacting the training provider directly. The course may be offered in person or online, depending on the training provider and your location.
3. Complete the BLS course: The BLS course consists of both a written exam and a hands-on skills assessment. You will need to pass both parts to receive your BLS certification. The course typically takes about four to six hours to complete.
4. Obtain your BLS certification: Once you have completed the BLS course, you will receive a BLS certification card via email or mail.
BLS certification is not only available online. Some training providers may offer blended in-person courses as well. Choosing a reputable and accredited training provider is important to ensure that you receive proper training and a valid certification.
Does BLS Certification Expire?
BLS (Basic Life Support) certification typically expires after two years. People should renew their BLS certification every two years to ensure they still have the skills and knowledge needed to help people in emergencies.
Conclusion
Overall, BLS certification is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals who want to be prepared to provide basic life support in emergencies. It can help them feel confident in their ability to provide care, and it can save lives in critical situations. Getting certified is easy and convenient, with online classes and testing options available 24/7.
