What is the difference between the Heartsaver CPR/AED class and the BLS class? The question we receive frequently refers to which of these classes a person should register for. The description of these CPR classes can be a bit confusing and you want to take the correct course for your place of employment or schooling. In this article we will look at the differences between the two classes.
First off, we recommend that you check with your employer or school to ensure you choose the right class. Generally, the BLS, or Basic Life Support, class is designed for those working in the medical field or emergency services such as nurses, nursing students, police and firefighters. The HeartSaver CPR and AED class is usually taken by educators, physical fitness instructors, management staff, government workers and lay persons. It is especially important that if you work in the medical field that you take the BLS class. You are more than likely required to maintain a current copy of the American Heart Association BLS certification for employment.
So what is different about the curriculum? Both BLS and HeartSaver CPR and AED class teach high quality CPR by the American Heart Association. Both classes also teach the use of the AED, or automatic external defibrillator. The difference between the classes is the level of depth each class goes into. The HeartSaver class teaches students single rescuer CPR skills for victims of ages and the use of the AED. The BLS class teaches students both single and two person rescuer CPR for victims of all ages, team dynamics, the use of the bag mask device, use of the AED, rescue breathing and how to relieve choking victims. As you can tell, the Basic Life Support class covers much more material that is typically used by those in healthcare professions. Lay persons that are taking a CPR course for personal knowledge should not choose the BLS class.
At Marion CPR all of our classes are by the American Heart Association and provide certification to students who successfully complete each course. Our Ocala CPR classes include all HeartSaver level courses such as the HeartSaver CPR and AED class, the first aid class and combo courses. Marion CPR also offers advanced classes for healthcare professionals such as the BLS or BasicLife Support class in Ocala and the ACLS or Advanced Cardiopulmonary Life Support class in Ocala. If you have further questions about which class you should register for please review our website at https://www.MarionCPR.com or call our office at 352-653-8821.