The American Heart Association’s BLS course trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate breaths and ventilations, and provide early use of an AED.
Learn more about Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR and AED course options from the AHA. Courses can be taken in blended learning or instructor-led formats.
BLS offers many types of data for regions, states and local areas. To browse for available information, make a selection from the tabs or use the economic news release finder below.
The updated Basic Life Support (BLS) program from the Red Cross supports emergency response and patient care and is taken by millions across healthcare organizations, EMS agencies and the Military Training Network.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) measures labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy.
BLS Certification, or Basic Life Support Certification, is a credential that shows an individual has received training in essential life-saving skills, including CPR and using an AED, mainly for healthcare providers and emergency responders.
Basic life support (BLS) involves procedures to restore oxygenated blood circulation after sudden cardiac or pulmonary arrest until full medical care can be provided. It includes chest compressions, rescue breathing, use of an automated external defibrillator, and establishing an open airway.
BLS can only generate about 20 to 30% of normal cardiac output (Schlesinger 2023), so it should only be used as a temporary substitute for normal ventilation and circulation.
While PALS and ACLS do cover BLS information, you must have a BLS certification in order to take the course. Some healthcare companies will offer the BLS certification prior to the advanced class but individuals should not assume this to always be the case.