What Do You Learn in the Basic Life Support Course?

Saving lives isn’t something that just happens. It requires a calming presence, the ability to act safely and smartly at the moment, and the right mindset to do it. And that can only happen with the right training.

One of the most important and most common first aid training courses available in Canada is the BLS (Basic Life Support). Consisting of in-depth training that targets individuals suffering from heart, stroke or respiratory distress, this course is a staple of first-aid responders, healthcare providers and public safety professionals. Even if you want to participate in specific events or enhance your career, this course is a must.

So, what do you learn in the BLS (Basic Life Support) course? Before we get to that, let’s cover some basics about the class, such as the duration, cost, and accreditation, and why you should do it.

Your Guide to the Basic Life Support Course

The Basics:

The BLS (Basic Life Support) course is instructor-led, meaning that a registered expert will manage and administer the class while reviewing and assessing the participants. This applies both to the initial course and the renewal course, which must be done to continue having accreditation.

Here are some essential details to know about the course:

  • Duration – It is expected to take 4 hours, and 2 hours for the renewal
  • Prerequisites – You do not require any previous training to attend this course. However, knowing the fundamentals of first aid care can prove useful in the long term
  • Cost – It varies from course provider to provider, but on average, it costs $85 + GST
  • Accreditation – You will be credited for one year and will have to renew the certificate after your first year. The renewal also lasts one year.

There are three elements to the course: a skills test, participation and attendance and a written exam.

Why You Need It

If you are looking to pursue a career in healthcare or a training responder (or involved in a job that requires it), this course is the foundation for it.

It is a prerequisite for advanced resuscitation courses and many healthcare-related training programs. It is designed to provide you with the tools and skills to help people suffering heart, stroke or respiratory distress during emergencies.

It is the main course to ensure you can provide CPR to patients while working with a team dynamic to help them.

What Will You Learn?

The BLS teaches both single-rescuer and multi-rescuer support skills, ensuring that individuals can act at the moment while teams can fluently work as a unit to help patients. There is a focus on CPR treatment and team dynamics.

There are a few key features to the course:

  • Understanding and reflecting the most recent Guidelines Update for CPR and ECC
  • A hands-on class format that focuses and reinforces skills proficiency
  • A focus on video-based teachings with real-world scenarios
  • An emphasis on high-quality CPR, including team dynamics

Here is what to expect from the course: 

  • CPR training for adults, children, and infants (such as chest compressions and breathing techniques)
  • Understanding and administering the Chain of Survival
  • Understanding and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) with a focus on simulated clinical scenarios and learning stations
  • The ability to quickly recognize several life-threatening emergencies
  • Learning the skills to use ventilation methods, such as a barrier device and bag-valve-mask
  • Understanding the dynamics and flow of multi-rescuer resuscitation and teamwork
  • How to provide relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for adults, children, and infants

What Happens After Completion?

When completing the course, you can continue your education by attending the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course. The former focuses the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies, while the latter refers to treating younger patients.

Finding Yourself A High-Quality Provider

It is essential to find a high-quality provider with the record and success to properly administer and deliver this important life-saving course.

When it comes to finding a provider, consider if their approach and success with clients can be helpful, are affordable and ensure a comfortable environment for success.