In this hectic and busy world that we live in, emergencies can arise at any time or any place. A sudden cardiac arrest, choking episode or any life threatening condition is just some of the several reasons why you must be ready to offer immediate assistance. That’s where Basic Life Support (BLS) certification comes in.
BLS certification is a crucial thing not to be overemphasized. In emergencies, every second counts and BLS-trained personnel might make the difference between life and death situations. Indeed, people who suffer from cardiac emergencies have increased chances of staying alive if given defibrillation or CPR among other BLS measures.
In recent years, the availability of online BLS certification courses has revolutionized the way people can obtain this crucial credential. Online certification offers several advantages, including flexibility in scheduling, accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection, and often, lower costs compared to traditional in-person courses.
This article will detail the step-by-step process of getting online BLS certification so that people can be equipped with skills and knowledge to save lives.
What is a BLS Certification?
BLS, or Basic Life Support, certification is a credential that verifies a person has been trained in CPR and has demonstrated a required level of competency regarding the core skills involved in providing CPR care to a person in cardiac arrest.
This certification course trains 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 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. It covers high-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants, Chain of Survival, early use of an AED, effective ventilations using a barrier device, the importance of teams in multi rescuer resuscitation, and relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for adults and infants.
BLS certifications are valid for two years from the date on the certificate.
How to get a BLS Certification Online
Getting Basic Life Support (BLS) certified online is a convenient option for many individuals. Here are the general steps on how to get your bls certification:
1. Find an Accredited Course
The first step in obtaining a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification online is to find an accredited course. This is crucial because the quality and recognition of your certification depend on the credibility of the organization offering the course. Many reputable organizations offer BLS certification courses that are widely recognized and respected in the healthcare industry.
These organizations ensure that their courses are up-to-date with the latest guidelines and standards in emergency cardiovascular care. They provide comprehensive training that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
When choosing a course, it’s important to consider factors such as the course content, the qualifications of the instructors, the learning format (online, in-person, or blended), and the cost. Remember, a good BLS course should provide you with the skills and confidence to perform life-saving procedures in a variety of emergency situations.
2. Enroll and Study the Course Materials
The second step in obtaining a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification online is to enroll in the chosen course and study the provided materials.
Once you’ve enrolled in the course, you’ll be given access to a variety of resources. These typically include instructional videos, reading materials, and practice quizzes. The course materials are designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of BLS procedures and protocols.
The course will cover a range of topics, including high-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants, early use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and effective ventilations using a barrier device. It’s important to thoroughly study these materials as they form the basis of the BLS certification exam.
Some courses may also provide additional resources such as access to instructors for questions and clarifications, and opportunities for hands-on practice. The goal is to ensure that you are well-prepared to respond effectively in a variety of emergency situations.
3. Complete the Course and Take the Exam
The next step in obtaining a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification online is to complete the course and take the exam. After you’ve thoroughly studied the course materials, you’ll need to complete any remaining course requirements. This could include participating in discussion forums, completing assignments, or practicing skills through simulations.
Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll need to pass the BLS certification exam. The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions that test your understanding of the course material.
Some courses may offer a blended learning approach, where you first complete an online portion and then complete a hands-on skills session with an instructor. This hands-on session is crucial as it allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting and receive immediate feedback.
Passing the exam demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform BLS procedures in real-life emergency situations.
4. Get Your Certification
Upon successful completion of the course and passing the exam, you’ll be awarded your BLS certification. This certification is a testament to your understanding of BLS procedures and your ability to apply them in real-life emergency situations. It’s a valuable credential for professionals in the healthcare industry and other fields where emergency response skills are essential.
However, it’s important to note that a BLS certification is typically valid for two years. This is because BLS guidelines and protocols can change over time as new research and technologies emerge. Therefore, to ensure that your skills and knowledge remain current, you’ll need to renew your certification every two years.
If your certification is about to expire (or has expired and you’re within 30 days of its expiration), you can enroll in an abbreviated recertification course. If your certification expired more than 30 days prior to your review course, you’ll have to complete the full BLS certification course again. This ensures that BLS certified individuals are always equipped with the most up-to-date life-saving skills.
5. Renew Certification as Needed
Once you’ve got your BLS certification, remember it lasts for about two years. So, keep an eye on the expiry date to make sure you stay certified.
When it’s close to expiring, you’ll need to renew it by either taking the course again or doing a quick refresher test.
Renewing is important to keep your skills sharp and make sure you’re following the latest guidelines. It’s best not to let your certification expire, especially if your job needs it. Just check with your provider for what you need to do to renew and when you need to do it.
Benefits of BLS Certification
BLS certification offers several benefits, particularly for individuals working in healthcare or emergency response roles:
1. It Covers More Than Just CPR Training
Some bosses just want their workers to have CPR training. That’s good, but getting BLS certification is even better. BLS covers more health skills, especially useful for those in healthcare jobs. It helps you handle issues like heart problems, blocked airways, and trouble breathing.
In BLS training, you learn how to do CPR on different people, like adults, kids, and babies. You also learn how to assess a situation and follow the steps in the AHA’s Chain of Survival, which helps save lives. BLS teaches you how to use an AED, clear someone’s airways, and use barrier devices.
Some courses might also teach you how to treat wounds, burns, or help if someone’s swallowed something harmful.
2. Help You Qualify for a Job
Some jobs in healthcare need you to get your BLS certification. If you have it, you can apply for more jobs.
Even if it’s not required, it’s still a good idea to get it because it can make you stand out to employers.
Once you have your BLS certification, make sure to put it on your resume. When you’re in a job interview, talk about what you learned and how it makes you a better candidate.
3. Available to People in All Industries
People in various fields, not just healthcare, often obtain BLS certifications.
Childcare providers, law enforcement officers, and fitness professionals are among those who may seek this training. Having this certification can boost your confidence in applying life-saving techniques beyond your job.
Even parents and caregivers of young children may pursue BLS certification to be better prepared for emergencies.
4. You Can Pursue a Hybrid Education
You have options when getting your BLS certification. Start by learning online at your own pace. Then, join a hybrid class where you can learn both online and in-person from an instructor.
Or, dive straight into an in-person course to cover everything in one session, including demonstrations and hands-on practice.
Tips for Success to Get BLS Certificate
Getting BLS certification is a valuable skill that can open up various opportunities, especially in healthcare and emergency response fields. Here are some tips to help you succeed in obtaining your BLS certification:
1. Dedicate Ample Study Time
Setting aside enough time to study is really important for doing well in your BLS certification. Make sure to spend regular periods going through the course materials.
This helps you understand and remember the important BLS ideas and methods.
When you give enough time to studying, you’re better prepared to learn how to save lives and handle emergencies better.
2. Utilize Practice Exams
Use the practice tests in the online course to see how well you understand the material. These tests help you find out what you know and what you need to study more.
They’re like practice games that help you get better at BLS. Pay attention to the feedback they give you so you can learn and do well on the final test.
3. Seek Clarification
If something in your BLS course is hard to understand, it’s important to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your course instructor or use support resources like discussion forums.
Getting clear on confusing things early helps you understand BLS better. When you understand well, you’ll feel more confident using BLS skills when needed.
4. Review Regularly
Go back to what you’ve learned before to make sure you remember it well. Take time to review the important things you’ve already studied, like how to do CPR or use an AED.
This helps you remember better and feel more sure about what to do in emergencies when you need to use BLS skills.
5. Practice Hands-On Skills
Practice performing BLS techniques in real life, not just online. Alongside your online learning, try out CPR, using an AED, and managing airways practically.
These hands-on sessions help you get better at these skills. By actually doing them, you’ll feel more confident and ready to help in emergencies when they happen.
How Does Online BLS Certification Compare to In-Person Training?
Online BLS certification and in-person training both aim to equip you with the same life-saving skills. However, they differ in terms of convenience, flexibility, and learning pace.
Online BLS certification allows you to learn at your own pace and schedule. You can access the course materials anytime and anywhere, making it a great option for those with busy schedules. The interactive modules, videos, and quizzes provide a comprehensive learning experience.
So basically, in-person training offers hands-on practice and real-time feedback from certified instructors. It can be more engaging and effective for those who prefer a more traditional classroom setting. However, it requires you to adhere to a fixed schedule and location.
Get Your BLS Certification Online Today
So, getting BLS certification online is a smart choice to be ready for emergencies. It doesn’t matter if you work in healthcare or just want to help others. BLS certification gives you important skills to save lives when it matters most. Online courses are easy to access and fit into your schedule. Don’t wait—getting certified online is a simple way to be prepared and make your community safer. Take the step to get certified and be confident in your ability to help in any emergency situation.
