Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of medical protocols for treating someone in a life-threatening emergency. These include cardiac arrest, difficulty breathing, and severe bleeding. To learn how to care for an emergency, you need to attend a BLS training program. This course is suitable for medical professionals and emergency personnel. BLS courses can now be taken online instead of physical training. In this article, we will discuss how you can enroll in a reputed course and acquire life-saving skills. BLS certification course.
What is the main purpose of BLS?
The primary purpose of performing BLS is to help patients who are having difficulty breathing or who are unconscious. Here’s how BLS helps you get the care patients need:
- Maintain circulation:
It keeps blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs, keeping the patient alive until advanced medical help arrives.
- Supports breathing:
The rescue breaths in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) deliver oxygen to the lungs and ensure that the blood circulating through the body is oxygen-rich.
- Early defibrillation:
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device that delivers a shock to the heart in the event of cardiac arrest, helping to restore a patient’s normal heart rhythm.
- Choking Management:
If the patient is choking, BLS protocols include the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) to open the airway. For infants, back blows and chest thrusts can be used. Responding quickly to choking can prevent severe breathing difficulties and possible loss of consciousness.
- Treatment of severe bleeding:
BLS also helps control severe bleeding by applying appropriate pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage. This technique helps stop the bleeding and can prevent shock and other complications.
- Basic first aid steps:
Additionally, BLS protocols include basic first aid practices such as:
- Emergency scene assessment.
- Call emergency services.
- We provide immediate medical care and ongoing care until professional help arrives.
What is BLS certification?
BLS Certification is an official certification that certifies that you have been trained in basic BLS skills. BLS courses typically cover CPR, using an AED, and how to manage choking in adults, children, and infants.
Who should attend a BLS course?
BLS training is often required if you work as a nurse, doctor, or paramedic. Emergency medical personnel, such as firefighters and police officers, also need this training to respond to emergencies in the workplace. It’s important to keep in mind that the specific requirements for BLS certification can vary depending on the healthcare organization, state regulations, and job description.
Fitness coaches and childcare workers can also benefit from BLS training, as their jobs will likely require them to respond to emergencies. Even if you don’t work in these professions, having a valid BLS certificate will give you the confidence you need to be prepared to save the life of a friend, family member, or stranger in a crisis situation.
Benefits of taking the BLS course
BLS training has many benefits beyond saving lives. Here are some benefits of becoming BLS certified:
- Increased employment opportunities:
Many medical and emergency care jobs require BLS certification as a prerequisite. Earning this credential can help you when applying for positions in hospitals, clinics, emergency services, and other medical settings. Earning your BLS certification can also increase your chances of promotion in the workplace.
- Continuing education in emergency medicine practice:
BLS certification is valid for two years. After your current certification expires, you will be required to take a refresher course to learn the latest guidelines and best practices in emergency medicine, helping you continue to learn life-saving skills.
- Community impact:
BLS skills help you respond to emergencies in your neighborhood or public places, therefore, BLS certification enhances the public safety and health of your community.
What are the steps to become BLS certified?
To get BLS certified, follow these steps:
- Find certification courses:
Look for a reputable organization that offers BLS training. Many organizations offer these courses both online and in-person.
- Enroll in a course:
Enroll in a course that fits your schedule: While in-person training is held on a fixed schedule, online BLS courses allow you to complete modules independently, anytime and anywhere.
- Complete the training:
Whether you enroll in an in-person or online class, be sure to actively participate in the training sessions. Pay close attention to both the theoretical lessons and the practical elements of BLS.
- Pass the exam:
At the end of the course, you will be assessed to demonstrate your proficiency and skills in BLS protocols. Passing this assessment requires you to review the study material and focus on key topics.
- Receive your certificate:
Once you pass the exam, you will receive your BLS certification immediately, which will allow you to perform BLS procedures on patients in an emergency.
Conclusion
Earning your BLS certification will equip you with the essential skills to effectively respond to emergency situations. Knowing how to perform BLS procedures can help you make a positive impact anywhere: at work, at home, or in your community.
Taking a BLS course can help you meet job requirements and give you the confidence and ability to help others in crisis situations. Choose a trusted provider to ensure high-quality training and start your BLS learning journey today.
