Having the proper basic life support certification could mean the difference between someone dying and living. Although most often received by health professionals, a basic life support certificate should be acquired by everyone.

The Facts

A basic life support certificate (BLS) proves that a person has taken and passed a course covering basic first-aid, such as identifying an emergency, standard procedures such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using common first-aid devices, according to the American Heart Association.

Types

In addition to the BLS certificate for individuals, people who teach the BLS courses must receive a certificate granting them the right to teach and grade basic life support procedures, according to University of Virginia Health System.

Significance

According to surveys studied by University Medical Centre in Göttingen, Germany, only half of all people attempt resuscitation of someone having a medical emergency, mostly due to inadequate basic life support training.

Tips

The American Heart Association has an online tool for you to search for local BLS and other health certification classes.

Considerations

With BLS certification, the average person can greatly help the odds of someone surviving an emergency. A University Medical Centre study notes that basic life support forms one of the first three links in a typical chain of rescue.

Source:

American Heart Association: BLS Healthcare Provider Course

University of Virginia Health System: Basic Life Support (CPR) Training

University Medical Centre, Göttingen, Germany: Practical examination of bystanders performing Basic Life Support in Germany: a prospective manikin study; 2008

Resource:

American Heart Association BLS course search