Whether you are a current or aspiring medical professional or healthcare worker or someone who is simply looking to round out their personal skillset and knowledge with a CPR training course, knowing what course options are available to you and what the differences between them are is crucial.

In today’s post from In-Pulse CPR — a CPR training and first aid training company serving Pennsylvania, Florida, and Minnesota — we will look at a specific focus on the BLS (Basic Life Support) CPR training course we offer with regards to how it differs from the Heartsaver CPR training course we offer.

By understanding the difference between these options, you can ensure that you get registered for the right CPR training and are able to meet your employer’s credentialing requirements.

Read on to learn more, or to sign up for one of our American Heart Association-accredited CPR training classes, check out our calendar of current classes in you are using one of the state links above. 

CPR Training For Healthcare Professionals

First things first — it is important to note that while BLS CPR training is specified for many certification requirements in the healthcare field, there are no prerequisites for these CPR courses, and anyone can take them.

Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR training covers virtually all of the same topics, training, and techniques that are taught in a Heartsaver CPR class, but it goes a bit deeper given that medical professionals are typically expected to deploy what they have learned on a somewhat regular basis.

Some of the occupations that are likely to require a BLS CPR training certification include: nurses, doctors, dentists, EMTs, rescue workers, respiratory therapists, and anyone who is studying or in a program to move into one of these roles.

AHA Certified CPR Training

All of the BLS CPR trainings that are organized and offered by In-Pulse CPR meet the standards and guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association — the primary authority on CPR, heart health, and all things cardiological related.

A BLS CPR training program will prepare you to assess a situation, check for responsiveness, breathing, and airway blockages, and will teach you the techniques and skills needed to perform CPR solo or in a team setting.

You’ll learn CPR techniques that are deployable for adults, children, and infants, as well as learn all about the warning signs of heart attack, choking and other respiratory and cardiac conditions. Finally, you’ll be introduced to and trained in how to successfully use an AED — an Automated External Defibrillator.

One thing to keep in mind is that your employer may require additional certifications and training that may or may not be covered by our classes. Before signing up, make sure to inquire with your employer about if they are offering a private class that might include additional training such as first aid training, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). 

Who Else Can Take BLS CPR Training With In-Pulse CPR?

BLS CPR trainings are specifically designed to promote the early warning identification and teamwork skills needed by people working in an organized, cooperative, lifesaving environment. However, that same teamwork approach, warning sign identification, and other detailed training of a BLS CPR class also makes them great for: clergy, teachers, daycare providers, fitness and exercise instructors, and recreation activity leaders of all kinds.

For others who want a CPR training course that provides everything you need without the extra emphasis on two-person CPR, a Heartsaver CPR class may be just what you need. You can learn more about them on our CPR certification page.

Sign Up For Your Basic Life Support CPR Training Today

If your two-year BLS certification is getting close to expiration or you need to attain certification by a specific date, make sure to get signed up for your BLS CPR training class today. Spots can fill quickly, and although there are regular CPR trainings each month — or more often — you don’t want to risk ending up out of compliance for your job. Sign up with us today to certify or recertify with CPR training endorsed by the AHA. Find a class near you in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, or Florida today.