BLS stands for Basic Life Support, which 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. BLS requires knowledge and skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using automated external defibrillators (AED), and relieving airway obstructions in patients of every age. BLS certification is a crucial credential for individuals involved in healthcare, emergency response, and anyone interested in being prepared to assist in life-threatening situations.
The American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) course is designed to train healthcare professionals including nurses, physicians, EMS professionals, and other healthcare and public safety personnel to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children, and infants. The AHA’s BLS Course is designed for healthcare professionals and other personnel who need to know how to perform CPR and other basic cardiovascular life support skills in a wide variety of in-facility and prehospital settings.
BLS training includes Healthcare Provider level skills such as 2-person CPR, pulse checks, bag valve mask use, and rescue breathing without compressions for people that have a pulse. It teaches single-rescuer, multi-rescuer resuscitation, and effective team basic life support skills for application in both pre-hospital settings and in-facility environments.
In addition to the physical skills necessary for providing BLS care to those in need, those working in basic life support also need to have critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and be able to work as part of a team to deliver the best care possible and improve patient outcomes.
