What would you do if someone stopped breathing right in front of you? It’s a scary thought, but that’s why basic life support training (BLS) exists.
Basic life support training is important—even mandatory—for professionals like nurses, dentists, chiropractors, and first responders. At First Edition, you can take it on its own or add it to CPR or first aid training, depending on what you need.
What is Basic Life Support Training?
Basic life support training prepares professionals to respond to medical emergencies confidently and as part of a team. It focuses on the essential skills needed to save lives during critical moments.
Who Needs Basic Life Support Training?
Basic life support training is important for anyone with a duty to respond in emergencies. In some industries, it’s required to meet industry standards and ensure patient safety. The College of Chiropractors, for example, has recently made basic life support training mandatory.
Here are the two main groups who benefit most:
In-Facility Care Providers
This group includes:
- Nursing staff
- Care aides
- Medical professionals
- Dental professionals
- Chiropractors
Pre-Hospital Care Providers
This group includes people working in high-pressure roles like:
- Fire services
- Rescue teams
- Sports medicine
- Lifeguards
- Ski patrol
For many professionals, certification is required yearly. Some professions choose to train twice a year to keep their skills sharp.
If you’re already certified and just need a refresher, a two-hour recertification course is available.
Is your AED registered with your province’s PAD Program?
What Does First Edition’s BLS Course Cover?
Developed by the Canadian Red Cross, our basic life support training teaches practical, hands-on skills you can use in real-life emergencies.
Here’s a quick look at what’s included:
- Glove removal: How to safely remove gloves to prevent contamination.
- Primary assessment: How to quickly assess a situation and prioritize care.
- AED and CPR use: Steps for performing effective chest compressions and using an automated external defibrillator.
- Airway obstruction: Proper techniques for clearing blocked airways.
- Assisted ventilation: How to provide ventilation for someone struggling to breathe.
- Special considerations: How to handle unique situations, like working with specific medical conditions or patient needs.
If you choose to add certifications, the course also covers airway management and oxygen therapy.
How Long is the Basic Life Support Course?
The length of the basic life support training course depends on the option you choose:
- Standalone course: 4 hours
- With airway management: 5 hours
- With oxygen therapy: 5 hours
- With airway management and oxygen therapy: 6 hours
A one-year digital certificate is issued to participants upon completion of the course. All participants also receive a field guide from the Canadian Red Cross so they can review the material anytime they need a refresher.
It’s Difficult to Coordinate My Team’s Schedules. What Are My Options?
Scheduling training for a whole team can be a challenge, especially for busy clinics and offices. That’s why First Edition offers Company Onsite Training. Instead of coordinating travel and managing conflicting schedules, we bring the basic life support training directly to you.
Our Red Cross certified first aid instructors come prepared with all the equipment and materials needed—you just provide the space. It’s efficient, stress-free, and ensures your team gets the high-quality training they need, right in the comfort of your clinic or office.
Register your group for Company Onsite Training now.
Basic life support training ensures you have the skills needed to handle emergencies effectively. Whether you’re a dentist, a nurse, or part of a rescue team, this training prepares you to respond with confidence when every second counts.
And with the option for on-site training, it’s easy to get your team certified without disrupting your schedule.
Ready to schedule a class? Contact us today.
