How to Obtain a BLS Certification for a Beginner

BLS certification for healthcare providers.

Basic Life Support classes are a combination of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing done alternately to revive someone who has either stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped--or when both of these events have occurred simultaneously. The BLS certification is mandatory for healthcare providers from physicians to everyone involved in the medical field: nurses, paramedics, physician assistants, physical therapists, police officers, emergency medical technicians and all allied health personnel.
Every citizen can benefit from attaining a life support certificate with knowledge in resuscitating adults, children and infants just in case you are in a situation where quick action--before emergency assistance arrives on the scene--can make the difference between life and death.

Instructions

1. Reserve your place at one of the American Heart Association training courses that will provide the full instructions and hands-on demonstrations that are required for your BLS certification. You can find the courses available either online or in your local phone book under AHA. As a beginner, take someone with you that would also like to become certified--a friend or family member--so that you are more comfortable with the training involved.

2. Pay the class fee and get the Basic Life Support healthcare provider manual and CD ahead of time. Study the course so that you will be confident--not only for the final written exam, but throughout the several-hour course.

3. 

   BLS certification saves lives.

   Take the course, wear casual clothing, bring a snack and bottled water to keep up your energy level. You will learn many ways to save lives: how to check the pulse, check for breathing, positioning the patient for chest compressions and breathing. You will also learn Heimlich Maneuver techniques for someone that is choking as well as how to resuscitate near-drowning victims. You will practice on adult, pediatric and infant manikins.The basics of using an automated external defibrillator (AED) will also be covered.

4. 

   BLS certification written exam.

   Take the written exam at the end of the course. The instructor will go over the test aloud so that everyone can benefit from the correct answers.

References

• American Heart Association

Resources

• BLS Healthcare Provider Students Manual and CD
• American Heart Association: CPR and ECC Courses