Class Features

Format: In person

Duration: 3 hours

Certification: American Heart Association BLS Provider. Valid for two years.

American Heart Association BLS Certification Class

Our American Heart Association BLS certification class is the required CPR certification class for healthcare providers. It meets licensing, regulatory, and OSHA requirements. This is an in-person, instructor-led BLS class that includes ample hands-on practice.

The AHA BLS class (Basic Life Support) trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations, and provide early use of an AED (automated external defibrillator). Participants learn to use medical equipment and work in teams to provide lifesaving treatment.

The following topics are covered during a BLS certification class:

• Recognizing cardiac arrest
• The difference between cardiac arrest and other emergencies
• The AHA Chain of Survival
• The importance of calling for help
• High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants, including chest compressions and rescue breaths
• Use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
• Effective ventilations using a barrier device
• Team dynamics and the importance of teams in multi-rescuer resuscitation
• How to perform as an effective team member during multi-rescuer CPR
• Relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for adults, children and infants
• Special considerations, including CPR for drowning victims and patients with known health issues
• Post-Resuscitation care
• Hands-on practice using manikins with feedback devices
• Scenarios for team practice

At the end of the BLS class, students take a short exam. Upon successful completion of the course, students are issued an American Heart Association "BLS Provider" certification, which is valid for two years.

This Basic Life Support class is appropriate for initial BLS certification or BLS renewal. You may enroll to take this course in our Rohnert Park classroom, or you can request a private individual or group class at your home or business.

We also offer the American Heart Association HeartCode BLS Blended Learning version of this course. Blended Learning consists of an online BLS course followed by an in-person, instructor-led BLS Skills Session. You can learn more about the benefits of Blended Learning here.

Prerequisites

None

Intended Audience

This BLS class is intended for healthcare professionals and other medical 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, including but not limited to physicians, dentists, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants (PAs), dental assistants, medical students, nursing students, residents, fellows, medical trainees, aides, medical assistants, nursing assistants, police officers, and security officers.

This class is appropriate for initial or renewal BLS Provider certification.