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?
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.
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.
