How Important is CPR/BLS?

Who needs a CPR/BLS license?

If you’re a healthcare provider, it’s your job to take care of any breathing emergencies that might arise wherever you go. You’ll need to be able to make quick decisions and tend to those who need your care. There are two certifications to choose from that will give you the training and skills you’ll need. BLS (Basic Life Support) and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).

CPR

CPR will be used to save someone’s life in an emergency such as a heart attack, stroke, or drowning. Essentially, CPR will be useful in any situation where a person’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.

Those that are untrained in CPR should provide CPR using only their hands. By performing chest compressions of around 100 per minute, you’ll provide enough support until paramedics can come to assess the situation.

With the right training, however, you can gain the trust in yourself that’s needed to start with chest compressions right away. This way, you don’t necessarily have to check the unconscious patient’s airway before giving rescue breaths. You can begin right away by performing chest compressions, then check later if the patient requires air. CPR certifications are offered on a national level. In New Jersey, you can get certification by taking courses provided by the American Heart Association center nearest you.

BLS

Healthcare providers require a BLS certification. By taking a training course on basic life support, you’ll be able to help anyone whose heart or breathing has stopped.

Though it is a basic certification, a BLS course will teach you how to give basic mouth to mouth resuscitation and CPR. There is no medical equipment involved. All you must do is remove anything blocking airflow to the lungs to make sure the lungs are receiving air. If done correctly, blood should be circulating to the patient’s body now.

BLS certifications are offer ed nationwide, as well as in New Jersey.

Who Needs a CPR/BLS License?

Though there is not much difference between CPR/BLS certifications, all healthcare providersare required to have one. Both certifications offer the same training and require airways to be opened. Maintaining breathing is also required without using any type of equipment as well.

The American Heart Association certifies their providers with BLS and the American Red Cross certifies theirs with CPR. The bottom line is that the difference remains in the terminology, but the training methods involved are identical for CPR/BLS.