CPR certification or BLS certification

CPR certification or BLS certification? What’s the difference? These two types of CPR classes can cause a great deal of confusion for people who need a certification for their career. How do you avoid wasting 4 hours of your day sitting in the wrong class? Read on!

So here’s the deal… Both CPR and BLS are types of CPR classes. This is what confuses the majority of the people:

BLS (which stands for Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider) is a more advanced level of CPR than a standard CPR class. BLS is a class put on through the American Heart Association and is required for all medical personnel. This includes doctors, nurses, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, etc. Dentist and dental hygienists also fall under this category as well. Requirements differ by state and area, but in Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside County recognize BLS Certification through the American Heart Association as the only acceptable certification.

CPR (typically called community CPR training or Heartsaver CPR) is the certification that is geared toward non-medical personnel. It may also be called layperson CPR. The majority of these classes are taught in person, but online courses are available as well. It is important to know what type of layperson CPR you are getting because there are many variations. The most inclusive courses will cover Adult, Child, and Infant CPR, Automated External Defibrillators, as well as conscious and unconscious choking. If you get a really good company, they should offer information on bloodborne pathogens as well. Make sure your certification is valid for 2 years as well.

So there you have it! BLS is for healthcare providers, CPR is for everyone else. I can’t speak for the rest of the world, but if you’re a healthcare professional looking for an Orange County CPR class, make sure you take BLS!

Zack Zarrilli is a Firefighter and the owner of SureFire CPR. His company is comprised of Firefighters, Paramedics, Lifeguards, and EMTs who teach hundreds of CPR, AED, and First Aid classes every year. SureFire CPR’s instructors teach from their own real world experience and specialize in on-site CPR and First Aid training in all of Southern California.

Did you find the above article useful? If so, for more information or to take a class, please visit us at https://floridatrainingcenter.org/cpr-program/. FTC CPR currently offers CPR classes and certification in Coconut Creek,Coral Springs,Dania,Davie,Deerfield Beach,Everglades Parkway,Fort Lauderdale,Hallandale,Hollywood,Lauderdale Lakes,Lauderhill,Pembroke Pines,Plantation,Pompano Beach,Miramar,Southwest Ranches,Sunrise,Tamarac,West Park.