BLS Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) training for healthcare professionals equips them with essential skills and knowledge to respond to life-threatening emergencies, particularly cardiac and respiratory arrest. Healthcare providers are required to maintain their BLS certification as part of their ongoing professional development and licensure requirements. The course is designed to provide hands-on experience and ensure that healthcare providers can act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
Key Components of BLS Training for Healthcare Professionals
CPR for Adults, Children, and Infants
- Training on how to perform high-quality chest compressions at the correct depth and rate, with emphasis on minimizing interruptions.
- Rescue breathing techniques for different age groups, ensuring that providers can adapt their approach based on the size and physiology of the patient.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Usage
- Step-by-step instructions on how to use an AED on adults, children, and infants in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
- Understanding how to recognize when defibrillation is needed and how to deliver shocks safely and promptly.
Airway Management
- Techniques for maintaining an open airway in unresponsive patients.
- Use of adjuncts like oropharyngeal (OPA) and nasopharyngeal (NPA) airways.
- Bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation to deliver oxygen effectively.
Recognition of Life-Threatening Conditions
- How to identify signs of cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and choking.
- How to activate the emergency response system quickly and efficiently.
Relief of Foreign-Body Airway Obstruction (Choking)
- Training on performing the Heimlich maneuver, chest thrusts, and back slaps depending on the patient’s age and condition.
- Focus on both conscious and unconscious patients.
Teamwork and Communication
- Importance of clear, efficient communication during a resuscitation effort.
- Learning how to work as part of a team, especially in hospital settings, where multiple healthcare providers may respond to an emergency.
- How to assign roles and responsibilities effectively.
High-Performance Team Dynamics
- Techniques to optimize team performance in resuscitation scenarios.
- Emphasis on leadership, role clarity, and the use of closed-loop communication to ensure tasks are completed effectively.
Course Format
Interactive
Real-World Scenarios
Real-World Scenarios
Hands-on practice using manikins and AED simulators is a key part of BLS training.
Real-World Scenarios
Real-World Scenarios
Real-World Scenarios
Trainees participate in mock resuscitation events to mimic real-life situations.
Assessments
Real-World Scenarios
Assessments
Participants must demonstrate proficiency in CPR, AED use, airway management, and teamwork to earn certification.
Certification and Training Providers
Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive a BLS certification, which is valid for two years. Recertification is required to maintain competency.
Training Providers
Learn how to perform CPR on infants and children, including the use of AED and how to respond to choking emergencies. This course is recommended for parents, babysitters, and caregivers.