Learning About The Educational Curriculum Creation Process

A medical emergency could happen at any moment. If you want to be prepared to respond in the event of a medical emergency, it's important that you complete the proper training course.

Two of the most common types of life-saving training courses are a CPR course and a basic lifesaving (BLS) course. Although they may seem the same on the surface, CPR and BLS certifications are different in a number of ways.

Understanding these differences will allow you to determine which certification best meets your needs.

1. Scope of Curriculum

One of the major differences between CPR and BLS certifications is the types of emergencies these courses can prepare you to face. A CPR course is intended to provide instruction on manually circulating the blood and providing oxygen for someone whose heart has stopped beating.

BLS certification courses teach this type of emergency response, but they also delve deeper into other types of medical emergencies that may arise. You will learn how to respond to heat-related emergencies, bone and joint wounds, and neck or spinal injuries.

Becoming BLS certified means that you are capable of providing emergency care in almost any situation where an injury has occurred.

2. Instruction and Testing Methods

Another area where CPR and BLS certification courses differ is in the instruction and testing methods used to assess a participant's skill.

CPR courses are primarily taught using specialized medical mannequins. An instructor will demonstrate proper CPR technique, then class participants will practice performing CPR on their mannequins to perfect their technique.

All tests are completely hands-on, and very little reading or critical thinking is required to obtain a CPR certification.

BLS courses tend to be more intense. Participants are given both hands-on and written tests to determine if they have retained the information needed to engage in critical first aid activities.

An individual must pass both the written and the hands-on test in order to obtain certification.

3.  Mandatory Certification Demands

Many careers require that workers have some type of first aid training.

CPR courses are typically required for anyone working with children or the elderly. Lifeguards, amusement park workers, and others who are in constant contact with the public may also be required to become CPR certified as a condition of employment.

BLS certification is a requirement for anyone working in the medical field. EMTs, first responders, CNAs, nurses, and doctors must all maintain a current BLS certification while working in a healthcare facility.

For more information, contact a local BLS certification course program.