• What is BLS?

BLS stands for Basic Life Support. It is the CPR class required for healthcare providers.

• What is the difference between BLS vs CPR?

BLS is what they call the level of CPR for healthcare providers. It is the highest level of CPR that you can get. Classes referred to as simply “CPR” is generally for non-healthcare professionals who still require a CPR certification.

• Do you offer free BLS certification?

No. We do offer basic free CPR training at events and workshops throughout the year, but these are geared more toward community awareness.

• Where can I find more about the American Heart Association CPR guidelines?

The best resource is directly on the AHA’s website: https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines. They use to update guidelines every five years, but in 2017 they began moving to a continuous evidence evaluation process to make updates as close to real-time as possible. There is also a hard copy book available for purchase.

• Is there an online certification?

If you’re looking to do your class online, the official course title is called “HeartCode BLS”. Individuals can purchase the online course from AHA: https://shopcpr.heart.org/catalogsearch/result/?q=Heartcode+BLS+online. After completing the online portion you must complete the skills portion at a local authorized AHA training center to receive a certification. Click here: https://stscpr.com/product/skills-test/ to sign up for a skills test with STS. If this is your first time taking the CPR class STS highly suggests taking the class in person.

• Is there an American Heart Association BLS practice test?

No, the AHA does not provide an official BLS practice test. There are resources on the internet from third party providers that offer practice test questions. The official BLS written exam that you will take is 25 questions, you must make an 84% or higher to pass.

• Where can I get a Basic Life Support study guide?

There are several study guides available online. A simple Google search for "AHA BLS study guide" gives several resources. However, most students find it unnecessary to study beforehand.

Where can I buy an AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers student manual?

When you sign up for our AHA BLS class, you will be given the option to purchase the BLS for Healthcare Providers book from STS or purchase the eBook here.

•Is BLS for Healthcare Providers the same as BLS Provider?

Yes. The AHA revised the name when they released the 2015 guidelines. “BLS Provider” is more inclusive of all types of individuals who may need a BLS certification.

•Should I take BLS or CPR?

That depends on what you do and what your job requires. If you have any kind of state medical license, you will need BLS regardless of whether or not your job requires a BLS certification. Those who do not have a medical license but whose organization or work requires a CPR certification would want to take the basic CPR class — visit https://stscpr.com/our-courses/ to see our full list of courses.

• How do I get an American Heart Association CPR card replacement?

Click here for eCard info – https://stscpr.com/american-heart-association-aha-ecard-information/

• Do I need to take BLS if I already have ACLS?

Yes. These are two separate classes. Sometimes the courses may be offered back to back but they are still individual courses that each require physical and written testing. Taking an ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) class does not automatically give you BLS certification.

• How long is a BLS certification good for?

It is recommended that a BLS certification be renewed every 2 years. Some employers require refresher training, though, as often as every 3 months.

• What’s Covered in This BLS Healthcare Provider Training?

BLS healthcare training is the foundational program for healthcare professionals. By enrolling in this course, you will learn how to care for patients in in-facility and prehospital emergencies. It will enable you to achieve the best possible outcomes for your patients.

• What to Expect From Your BLS Provider Class

Unlike typical classroom-based courses, a BLS class for healthcare providers consists of interactive videos, lectures, and hands-on training. However, you will still take a written exam at the end of the session to determine whether you’re ready to apply your learning in real-life settings or not

• Who Needs BLS Healthcare Provider Training?

The BLS course is ideal for healthcare professionals and first responders who can save lives during cardiac and respiratory emergencies. These specialists include doctors, nurses, dentists, paramedics, and firefighters.

• Is BLS Healthcare Provider Training Required Annually?

No, you don’t need BLS healthcare provider training annually. Once you complete your class, you will receive a certification and wallet card — these distinctions are valid for two years. If necessary, you can renew them every two years before they expire.

• What Locations Do You Offer BLS Classes?

We offer BLS healthcare provider certification courses in three locations: Elkhorn, Delavan, and Burlington. Do you have a group? We'll come to you. Check out our Group Training and FAQ: https://stscpr.com/group-training/.