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 Training Opportunity - Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS)

Provider: Colorado Cardiac CPR

Date/Time: Wed April 16, 2025 / 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Location: Northwest Denver / Wheat Ridge

Address: 3798 Marshall Street, Suite 2, Wheat Ridge CO, 80033

Class Price: $149.00

Description: The American Heart Association's (AHA) ASLS course builds on the foundation of lifesaving skills; aiming to educate prehospital and in hospital healthcare providers to optimize the identification, evaluation and treatment of patients with acute stroke, and identify the five main stroke syndromes and relate them to pathophysiology and clinical signs. 

The course objective is to explain the importance of an organized approach to treating patients with stroke for improved patient outcomes, and describe the management goals also.

ASLS requires an Online Course prior to a 2-3 hour skill session. The skills session includes discussion, practical application and a skills test.

ASLS is appropriate for healthcare professionals in both prehospital and in-hospital settings involved in the management of acute stroke patients. 

This advanced course is ideal for:

• Stroke Coordinators
• Nursing Students and Nurses
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
• Paramedics and Emergency Medical Personnel
• Physicians
• Physician Assistants
• Residents and Fellows
• Medical Students
• Respiratory Therapists

Enrollment Link: https://3cpr.enrollware.com/enroll?id=11198953

Notes: For more information contact 3CPR at 720-639-2623 or Info@3Cpr.Org

Space is limited so register today.

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 Celebrations - February is Heart Month!

As we celebrate American Heart Month, let us take a moment to acknowledge the critical role EMS plays in improving outcomes for cardiac emergencies.

From responding to myocardial infarctions to managing full cardiac arrests, prehospital providers are essential in delivering early, life-saving care. However, our work is far from over. The evolution of EMS has demonstrated that rapid response alone is not enough —our decisions and interventions directly influence patient survival and recovery rates.

Thanks to organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, we have developed effective prehospital treatments and established the "Chain of Survival," which underscores the importance of early recognition, immediate CPR, rapid defibrillation, advanced care, and post-resuscitation support.

While EMS is a vital component of this system, transforming cardiac care requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.

By utilizing both basic and advanced cardiac life support, we can make a meaningful impact and improve patient outcomes.

Let us continue striving for advancements, refining our techniques, and enhancing our response to cardiac emergencies to save more lives.

Source: JEMS - Emergency Medical Services

Recommended CPR Training Providers: 

Bethesda, Wales, UK: Active First Aid

Littleton, Colorado, USA: Colorado Cardiac CPR

International: Crossing Latitudes 

EMS History - The Evolution of CPR

CPR is a lifesaving skill that has been performed on presidents, celebrities and regular people alike. Knowing about CPR, and its associated history, equips individuals with life-saving skills. In emergency situations, performing high-quality CPR could mean the difference between life and death for a loved one, a colleague, or even a stranger.

EMS providers should have a solid understanding of the evolution of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as it provides the foundation for their life-saving interventions.

For instance, the term "cardiopulmonary resuscitation" was first coined in 1960, signifying the integration of chest compressions and artificial ventilation to revive individuals in cardiac arrest.

However, documented efforts to revive a person who has suffered a heart attack date back 600 years. That said, it wasn't until the early 20th century that more systematic approaches were developed.

The methods we use today may be considered far more efficient than those originally attempted as far back as the 1500s, such as whipping the patient, rolling them back and forth over a barrel, placing them on a galloping horse, or inflating them with a bellows.

Knowing about the development of CPR is valuable for several reasons:

Historical Context: Learning the history of CPR provides valuable context. It illustrates the progression of medical knowledge and techniques over time, highlighting the importance of scientific advancements in improving healthcare outcomes.

Life-Saving Skills: Understanding CPR and its history equips individuals with life-saving skills. In emergency situations, knowing CPR could mean the difference between life and death for a loved one, a colleague, or even a stranger.

Empowerment: Learning about CPR empowers individuals to take action in emergencies. It gives them the confidence and knowledge to intervene effectively until professional medical help arrives.

Community Resilience: A well-informed community with CPR knowledge contributes to overall community resilience. When more people are trained in CPR, the likelihood of survival from cardiac arrest increases, creating a safer environment for everyone.

As Dr. Peter Safar stated "CPR is the most effective first-aid treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. It buys time until further medical help arrives, increasing the chances of survival” while Dr. Mickey Eisenberg expressed the sentiment that "CPR is the ultimate act of kindness and compassion. It shows that we're willing to step in and help someone in their darkest moment.”

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

American Heart Association (2022, June 28) ‘Father’ of CPR: Guy Knickerbocker Obituary. Retrieved from https://cprblog.heart.org/2022/06/28/father-of-cpr-guy-knickerbocker-who-helped-pioneer-a-lifesaving-technique-dies-at-89/

American Heart Association (2024, February 15) The Presidential Heart Attack That Changed America. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/02/15/the-presidential-heart-attack-that-changed-america

Hazzard, K. (2022) American Sirens. New York: Hachette Books

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 

Resuscitation In A Time Of COVID-19

A new infographic by the American Heart Association outlines key considerations regarding resuscitation administered by healthcare providers who are treating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.

#AmericanHeartAssociation ##HealthCareProviders #CPR #COVID19 #DuringATimeOfPlague

Training In A Time Of COVID-19

@NREMT @NAEMT #EMS #EMR 

#LifeIsPrecious #COVID19 #DuringATimeOfPlague

AHA Stay Safe In The Water Campaign

Drowning is the third-leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7 percent of all injury-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization. The agency estimates there are 360,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide.

Go to: American Heart Association

AHA Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) Provider

Basic Life Support, or BLS, generally refers to the type of care that first-responders, healthcare providers and public safety professionals provide to anyone who is experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress or an obstructed airway.

Go to: American Heart Association