Basic Life Support (BLS Course)
The AHA’s course trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations and provide early use of an AED. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).
Who should take BLS course?
The 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.
What does BLS course teach?
- High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
- The AHA Chain of Survival, specifically the BLS components
- Important early use of an AED
- Effective ventilations using a barrier device
- Importance of teams in multirescuer resuscitation and performance as an effective team member during multirescuer CPR
- Relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for adults and infants
Ready to take a Basic Life Support (BLS) class?
The AHA offers options for how you can purchase BLS. You can take a full classroom course, take a blended learning course (HeartCode BLS + a hands-on skills session training), or purchase additional course materials.
Course Completion Card
Upon completion of all course requirements, participants receive a BLS Provider Course Completion Card which is valid for two years.
Continuing Education Credits
Depending on which BLS course option you choose, CE/CME may be available for your profession.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Course Options
Basic Life Support (BLS) is available in two different training methods – blended learning and classroom training. All BLS course options teach the same AHA science-based skills and result in the same AHA BLS Course Completion Card.
Is AHA BLS the right course for me?
BLS is geared towards prehospital providers, like EMTs, paramedics, fire fighters, and in-facility hospital providers. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years. Please contact your employer to ensure that you are selecting the correct course.