EMS Education - Advisor: Basic Life Support (BLS)

 

The Advisor: Basic Life Support (BLS) program is a specialized certification pathway developed by the AHA for individuals who have successfully completed the cognitive portion of the HeartCode® BLS course but cannot physically perform the motor skills of CPR due to a disability.

Rather than demonstrating the physical actions (like chest compressions or AED pad placement), participants demonstrate competency by advising another person through those steps — showing they fully understand the why, when, and how of BLS.

Purpose & Importance

This program:

• Promotes inclusivity in lifesaving education by recognizing that knowledge is just as critical as physical ability.
• Allows people with physical disabilities to become certified in BLS and empowered to guide and direct others during a real cardiac emergency.
• Increases the number of trained individuals in a given community who can contribute during a medical crisis — even if they aren't able to perform CPR themselves.

Eligibility and Certification

To earn the Advisor: BLS certification card, participants must:

1. Pass the HeartCode® BLS Provider Course cognitive exam (the same as all BLS providers).

Successfully demonstrate their ability to verbally direct another person in performing:

• High-quality CPR
• AED use
• Basic resuscitation team skills

This is assessed by an AHA instructor, who ensures that the candidate can provide accurate, timely, and effective instructions that align with AHA guidelines.

The issued certification card is an Advisor: BLS card, which is distinct from the standard BLS Provider card — but still represents formal AHA-recognized certification.

Who Is It For?

This program is designed for:

• Individuals with physical disabilities that prevent them from completing hands-on CPR testing.
• Candidates who want to contribute to emergency preparedness in workplaces, schools, or communities, even if they cannot perform compressions themselves.

Impact and Accessibility

The Advisor: BLS program aligns with the AHA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in resuscitation science and training. By expanding the definition of who can be trained and certified, the program:

• Acknowledges the contributions and capabilities of persons with disabilities.
• Increases the total number of CPR-capable bystanders in society — a crucial factor in improving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes.
• Encourages organizations to embrace broader emergency readiness by including all capable team members.

Learn more about it here: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/new-program-developed-for-persons-with-disabilities-to-advise-others-on-cpr

EMS Basic Life Support - Debunking Common Myths About CPR

Proper education and awareness about the lifesaving practice of CPR are essential. Unfortunately, several widely held misconceptions discourage many people from becoming CPR-certified.

While the following information is not intended to replace the instruction provided in certification courses, it is valuable knowledge that can help dispel myths and encourage more individuals to pursue CPR training.

Myth #1: Only Professionals Can Safely and Effectively Perform CPR

Truth #1: According to the American Heart Association, CPR initiated immediately by a bystander can triple a victim’s chances of survival. Anyone can learn and perform CPR after basic training, making widespread education and certification crucial in improving survival rates.

Myth #2: You Can Learn CPR by Watching an Online Video

Truth #2: While online videos can provide useful information, they should be produced, sponsored, and taught by reputable organizations. More importantly, CPR training includes a critical hands-on component - effective chest compressions - that cannot be mastered through video instruction alone. Proper technique requires in-person training and practice.

Myth #3: You Can Get in Trouble or Injure Someone If You Perform CPR Incorrectly

Truth #3: Good Samaritan laws protect individuals who perform CPR in good faith and without willful misconduct or negligence. The risk of legal consequences is minimal, and the potential harm of not performing CPR far outweighs the risk of performing it incorrectly. Immediate intervention can make the difference between life and death.

Myth #4: You Must Perform Mouth-to-Mouth Breathing When Performing CPR

Truth #4: The idea of providing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a stranger may be uncomfortable for some, but hands-only CPR is highly effective. When chest compressions are performed at the correct rate and depth, they help circulate oxygenated blood until emergency responders arrive.

Myth #5: CPR Should Be Performed Only After Calling 911

Truth #5: CPR should begin immediately when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Ideally, one person should call 911 while another starts CPR. Delaying CPR can significantly reduce a victim’s chance of survival. Additionally, victims who exhibit irregular, noisy breathing or gasping may still benefit from immediate chest compressions.

The Importance of CPR Certification

Beyond addressing these common myths, formal CPR training provides in-depth knowledge and hands-on practice to ensure confidence and competence in a real emergency. Becoming CPR-certified is not only an invaluable skill but also a profound act of service to your loved ones, those under your care, and your community.

Recommended CPR Training Providers: 

Bethesda, Wales, UK: Active First Aid

Littleton, Colorado, USA: Colorado Cardiac CPR

International: Crossing Latitudes 

EMS Education - Are You BLS Certified?

Are you a pre-hospital, in-healthcare or care facility professional, then it is likely you are required to maintain certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA). 

However, BLS certification is not just a regulatory requirement to remain in good standing with  an employer, it is a critical asset and an occupational necessity that ensures you can perform your job effectively.

Why is BLS Certification Important?

The knowledge and skills associated with being BLS certified means you are prepared to respond to life-threatening emergencies involving cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and choking incidents across adult to infant populations.

Also, beyond enhancing your professional skills, BLS certification empowers you to be a valuable resource for your family, community, and the patients you serve.

What Does an AHA BLS Course Cover?

The American Heart Association BLS course covers a wide range of life-saving techniques, including:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Safe & Effective Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use.
• Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) Ventilations
• Choking & Airway Obstruction Management
• Rescue Breathing
• And much more!

Who Needs BLS Certification?

All healthcare providers in patient-facing roles - whether in a hospital or pre-hospital setting - are required to hold a valid BLS certification card. 

This includes:

• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
• Paramedics 
• Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
• Medical Doctors (MDs)
• Firefighters & Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs)

Who Should I Train With?

Choosing the right BLS certification course is essential to gaining the confidence and skills needed to respond to life-threatening emergencies. Look for a program that offers small class sizes to maximize hands-on learning and individualized instruction.

Experienced instructors with real-world expertise can provide valuable insights, ensuring that every student leaves feeling fully competent in their abilities.

Investing in quality training means staying certified, staying prepared, and continuing to make a difference in the lives of those you serve.

Conclusion

BLS certification is more than just a credential - it is a vital skill set that can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations.

Whether you are an EMT, nurse, physician, or first responder, staying up to date with your BLS training ensures you are always prepared to act swiftly and effectively when every second counts.

By maintaining your AHA BLS certification, you contribute to a safer workplace, enhance patient outcomes, and reinforce your commitment to providing quality care.

If your certification is nearing expiration or you have yet to obtain it, consider enrolling in a BLS course today. Your knowledge and readiness could save a life.

Recommended CPR Training Providers: 

Bethesda, Wales, UK: Active First Aid

Rawlins, Wyoming, USA: Brian Eveleth, DTAC LLC

Littleton, Colorado, USA: Colorado Cardiac CPR

International: Crossing Latitudes

EMS History - The American Heart Association

The American Heart Association (AHA) was established in 1924 by a group of six cardiologists in response to the growing concern over the lack of research and information about heart disease. At the time of its founding, heart disease was becoming a leading cause of death in the United States, yet there was limited understanding of its causes and prevention methods.

The rationale behind the establishment of the AHA stemmed from the need to address this gap in knowledge and to advocate for increased awareness, research, and education about heart health. The founders recognized the urgent need for a centralized organization dedicated to combating heart disease, promoting cardiovascular research, and disseminating information to both healthcare professionals and the general public.

The AHA's mission focuses on reducing disability and death caused by cardiovascular diseases and stroke. To achieve this mission, the association engages in various activities, including funding research grants, developing guidelines for the treatment and prevention of heart disease and stroke, advocating for public policies that promote heart health, and providing educational resources and programs to communities and healthcare professionals.

Over the years, the AHA has played a crucial role in advancing cardiovascular science and improving public health outcomes. Its initiatives have led to significant advancements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease and stroke. Through partnerships with medical professionals, policymakers, advocacy groups, and the public, the AHA continues to work towards its goal of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Further Reading:

American Heart Association (ND) History of CPR - Highlights from the 16th Century to the 21st Century. Retrieved from https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/history-of-cpr