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Are BLS and Heartsaver CPR Courses the Same?

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If you’re considering a CPR training course, whether you’re required to by an employer or simply want to learn how to save a life, you may be confused by the options available to you. What’s the difference between BLS and ACLS? What is PALS? What about Heartsaver?

One of the most common questions we get is in regard to BLS and Heartsaver courses and how they differ. We’ll answer that question here today.

BLS vs. Heartsaver: What’s the Difference?

BLS vs Heartsaver CPR training course
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What is BLS?

BLS stands for Basic Life Support. In this class, participants learn one and two person CPR skills for adults, children and infants. You will also learn how to clear the airway of a conscious or unconscious person, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Another focus of BLS courses is recognizing the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and respiratory distress, and how to respond to emergencies and life-threatening symptoms. Because BLS courses are geared toward health care providers and emergency responders, it is expected that participants will, at some point, be called upon to use these skills in an emergency situation.

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What is Heartsaver?

In comparison, the Heartsaver course is geared toward those who don’t work in a healthcare setting but may be called upon to perform CPR, or who are required to be trained and certified in CPR as a condition of employment. This can include teachers, childcare providers, coaches, parents or caregivers, or anyone who wants to learn CPR.

Heartsaver course participants learn the same basic CPR and first aid skills that are taught in BLS courses, without some of the more advanced techniques included in BLS coursework. You will leave a Heartsaver class knowing how to perform CPR, administer an AED, and do basic first aid. It is a valuable course for anyone, regardless of their employment setting!

If you have questions about which HeartCert CPR course is right for you, contact us today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2014.

Four Reasons to Learn CPR

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If you don’t work in healthcare, or with children or vulnerable adults, or in any other setting in which CPR training is required, it may seem like there is no real reason to learn CPR. But that’s not the case. There is a very real need for laypeople to be trained in CPR and ready to perform it should they encounter a person in cardiac arrest or distress.

reasons to learn CPR
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Here are a few of the many reasons why you should take a CPR/AED training course.

Why Should I Learn CPR?

1. Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home

More than 85 percent of cardiac arrests take place in the home. With more than 300,000 instances of cardiac arrest every year in the U.S., there is a significant likelihood that you may need CPR to save the life of your parent, spouse, or other family member.

2. CPR Protects Against Long-Term Disability

Performing CPR immediately following cardiac arrest helps blood circulate until emergency responders arrive. This protects vital organs, including the brain, from significant damage.

Read: 4 Reasons to Offer CPR Training to Employees

3. More Bystander CPR is Needed

Bystander CPR – when CPR is performed by a layperson outside of a healthcare setting – is performed in fewer than half of all cardiac arrests in the U.S. Many more lives could be saved if more people were trained and ready to perform CPR when needed.

4. It’s Easy to Learn CPR

CPR training courses are more accessible than ever. With in-person, virtual, and private options, you can learn CPR on your schedule and in just a few hours.

Register for a CPR Training Course

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We continue to offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This blog post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated.

Which States Mandate CPR Training in Schools?

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When it comes to CPR, there are three known facts. First, when CPR is performed immediately after cardiac arrest, it doubles or even triples the chances of survival. Second, that occurs in less than 10 percent of cardiac arrests that occur outside of a hospital setting. Third, CPR training increases the likelihood that a bystander will be ready and able to perform CPR when the need arises. This lifesaving opportunity is the driving force behind the American Heart Association’s CPR in Schools program.

CPR in Schools
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What is CPR in Schools?

CPR in Schools is an initiative from the American Heart Association to train students in CPR, AED use, and choking relief. The training is specifically aimed at young learners, and was designed to be completed in just one class period. It comes with a toolkit that can train 10 to 20 students at once. Training can be repurposed for different classes and grade levels.

Schedule On-Site CPR Training with HeartCert

Does Your State Mandate CPR Training in School?

About 10 years ago, there was a significant effort to mandate CPR training as part of high school graduation requirements. Today, the majority of states have enacted laws requiring CPR education in schools.

In HeartCert’s home state of Minnesota, for example, students must take part in CPR training in order to graduate from high school. School districts are required to provide a onetime CPR and AED training to students at some point between grades 7 and 12.

Schools are not required to use the AHA’s CPR in Schools materials. They can set up training from a local provider such as HeartCert. Learn more about our on-site CPR/AED training options here.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR. We also train in ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We also offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert Minneapolis Now Open

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HeartCert is excited to announce the opening of our newest location in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The address of our new facility is 1201 W. River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55419. Click here for directions, and contact us with any questions.

HeartCert is now open in Minneapolis
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About the HeartCert Minneapolis Training Center

The new HeartCert CPR training center is conveniently located in the Twin Cities American Red Cross headquarters. This location also serves as a blood and platelet donation center. Just off 35W and near major downtown landmarks such as U.S. Bank Stadium and Guthrie Theater, it is accessible to residents throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

Find a HeartCert Training Center Near You

Healthcare Training Courses Offered at HeartCert Minneapolis

In addition to our standard CPR, First Aid and AED courses, we offer a wide variety of trainings at our new location. These include: BLS, ACLS and PALS; Certified Nursing Assistant Courses, IV and EKG training; 1 on 1 flexible CPR training; and CPR instructor courses.

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

Our skilled and experienced CPR instructors are also available for on-site CPR training courses. If you have a group of employees or team members who want or need to be certified in CPR, first aid, or AED use, contact HeartCert to schedule your on-site training today. Discounted class vouchers are available for companies where employees need training at different times. 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Introducing a Private CPR Training Option

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HeartCert is excited to introduce a new, one-of-a-kind CPR training option. Our private CPR course allows you to choose a time that works for your schedule. CPR certification has never been easier!

Why We Launched Our Private CPR Course

There’s no question that CPR saves lives. According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting every year. Only about 10% of people who experience cardiac arrest in a non-medical setting survive. But if CPR is performed immediately, the chances of survival double or even triple.

Read: What’s the Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

Unfortunately, bystander CPR is performed on fewer than half of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. By offering CPR training courses that are easy and accessible, we’re hoping to change that number.

How Does Private CPR Training Work?

When you enroll for our private CPR certification course, you’ll be able to choose a time that works for your schedule. You’ll receive immediate access to online training materials and videos. When you’ve completed the coursework, you’ll have access to our Eagan, MN headquarters at your scheduled time.

Then, an instructor will connect with you virtually to take you through the final steps of the CPR certification process. You will receive an American Red Cross CPR certification, which is valid for two years.

See how it works:

We’re offering two options for private CPR training: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Adult/Child/Infant CPR/AED with First Aid.

Learn more and register here, and contact us with any questions.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, babysitter training and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

4 Reasons to Offer CPR Training to Employees

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Many employees have returned or will soon head back to the office. After nearly two years away, your team will probably need some refreshers. How does the coffee maker work? Where’s the conference room? And how do you perform CPR if a coworker goes into cardiac arrest?

Yes, that final question is more serious than the first two. But it’s a real possibility. Because we spend a good deal of our time in the office, there is a significant likelihood of cardiac arrest at work. This is why it’s important to ensure that your team is prepared.

Why Employees Should be Trained in CPR

employees
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CPR Increases the Likelihood of Survival

CPR keeps blood circulating until an ambulance arrives. Not only does this increase the odds of survival, but it can minimize the negative impacts of cardiac arrest.

Hands-Only CPR is Less Invasive

Many employees think that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is part of CPR, but this isn’t the case. Hand-only CPR is the standard now, which is much less invasive.

Read: CPR Training for OSHA Compliance

Help Your Coworkers – And Your Career

Knowing how to perform CPR will make you a valuable asset in the office. You can even add it to your resume!

HeartCert Makes it Easy to Learn CPR

HeartCert offers on-site CPR training to train all employees at once. Portions of the training can be completed online in advance, making the time commitment more flexible.

Do you have questions about office CPR training? Give HeartCert a call today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2018.