When answering, “Is BLS and CPR the same thing?” It’s important to first understand these concepts. This confusion is common when comparing life-saving procedures. In some cases, the term BLS goes hand in hand with CPR in the line of work that covers emergency health training, but in essence, the two are different.
While BLS is quite similar to CPR in that the intervention is intended for use during life-threatening health events, the target populations and objectives are completely different. Read on to learn more!
What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that is used in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest. CPR, therefore, aims at making sure blood and oxygen are pumped through the body as they wait for other drastic procedures to get the heart to function normally again.
The method entails repeatedly pressing on the chest to force blood circulation through the heart and a separate breathing process to ensure that the lungs have fresh air. Thus, it is always important to give CPR as early as possible and as effectively as possible to ensure high rates of survival.
CPR training also standardizes the way that enables individuals to identify when individuals are having a cardiac arrest and how to respond and maintain the vital processes of the victims until professional helpers get to the scene.
What is BLS?
Basic Life Support (BLS) is a category of medical emergency treatments that includes CPR as one of its components. BLS is utilized by healthcare personnel and other first responders. It not only includes CPR but also incorporates the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), management of choking, and other skills needed to address various complications.
In the United States, BLS certification is recommended for healthcare professionals, including paramedics and firefighters.
Is BLS and CPR the same thing?
Answering the question is BLS and CPR the same thing? No, BLS and CPR are not the same, although they are closely related. CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths, which are part of BLS. However, BLS encompasses a wider range of skills and requires more extensive training, typically reserved for healthcare professionals and first responders.
Key Differences Between BLS and CPR
BLS and CPR are interventions applied in emergency medical situations, but they should not be confused. Although both aim to save lives, their scope and methods differ.
1. Scope of Training
- CPR only involves external chest compressions and artificial breaths to ensure that blood flow and oxygenation continue to flow as they normally do. That is why it is one of the easiest methods of saving a life and can be mastered quickly.
- While BLS includes CPR and other skills, it includes AED and other clinical emergency management. Though BLS training is provided to learners, it is more extensive compared to the CPR training offered herein and caters to healthcare workers and first responders.
2. Target Audience
- CPR is carried out separately and is Aimed at the general population. Standard CPR certification online are available to everyone, enabling more people to assist in emergencies.
- BLS is directed at healthcare workers. The higher level of training and certification provided by BLS ensures healthcare providers are well-prepared to handle more complex emergencies.
3. Application
- CPR is performed if a person has a heart or breathing emergency to keep the individual alive until a professional can arrive.
- BLS is used in different situations like those not related to shock, cardiac arrest, other respiratory emergencies, and other more complex events.
4. Certification
- BLS: BLS courses are more extensive and detailed. Most of them take several hours of the learners’ time and cover theoretical and practical lessons. Certification also involves testing and training to guarantee the Levels of competency before a person is given a certification.
- CPR: CPR courses take a few hours to complete, thus being more open. For instance, they emphasize more skills such as chest compressions and rescue breaths. Certification is easier and, in most cases, entails a friendly demonstration of some form of competence rather than a course that would rigorously test a wide audience.
5. Training Components
- BLS training teaches airway, breathing, and circulation skills and provides practical experiences in BLS, AED, relief from airway obstruction, and initial aid. It ensures that healthcare providers are ready for different types of calamities.
- CPR training covers information on chest compression, rescue breath, the right and wrong way to perform CPR, how to check response, and how to make emergency calls. While it does not include AED use or management of airway obstructions, such as what is included in BLS.
Final Thoughts
Is BLS and CPR the same thing? While CPR and BLS are related, they are distinct procedures. Although BLS and CPR are vital components of emergency response, they cater to distinct groups and purposes. BLS prepares healthcare professionals with the advanced skills and extensive knowledge needed to manage a wide range of medical crises effectively.
In contrast, CPR equips laypersons with fundamental techniques to intervene in cardiac emergencies swiftly. Enroll in CPR and BLS courses today and gain the confidence to respond effectively in emergencies.
