top of page
Writer's pictureStephanie Victoria

Understanding the Importance of Basic Life Support Class from American Red Cross

Updated: Jul 24, 2023

Nursing assistants are frontline workers and play an essential role in caring for the sick and injured. One critical skill they must acquire is Basic Life Support (BLS). BLS is a set of medical techniques used to provide life-saving care to someone experiencing cardiac arrest or other medical emergencies. The American Red Cross offers BLS classes that equip nursing assistants with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide immediate assistance and improve patient outcomes. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of BLS classes from the American Red Cross.



What is BLS training?


BLS training is a specialized medical training that focuses on providing critical care to patients experiencing sudden health emergencies such as cardiac arrest, choking, and stroke. The training includes a blend of classroom lectures, practical training, and simulations that prepare nursing assistants to respond effectively to such emergencies. BLS training equips nursing assistants with the skills and confidence they need to react quickly, reduce risks, and mitigate life-threatening situations before medical help arrives.


Benefits of taking BLS classes from American Red Cross


The American Red Cross is a leading provider of BLS courses globally. Its BLS classes are tailored to teaching life-saving skills crucial to nursing assistants. The benefits of taking a BLS class from the American Red Cross include learning CPR and AED administration, understanding choking protocols, witnessing heart attack symptoms and knowing the right course of action to take. Moreover, the class also teaches the nursing assistants a systematic approach to handling critical emergencies, such as identifying a problem, notifying the emergency response team, and carrying out resuscitation and stabilization.


The importance of BLS training



BLS training is one of the most essential certifications a nursing assistant can have. When a pati



ent's life is on the line, every second counts, and nursing assistants who are not equipped with BLS might not have the knowledge or confidence needed to act quickly and decisively. In such situations, BLS-trained assistants can make the difference between life and death. Furthermore, BLS training is essential in medical settings. Employers look for BLS-certified nursing assistants, and those without the certification may be at a disadvantage concerning employment opportunities.


Certification and Recertification



BLS training courses consist of both a written exam and a practical exam. Upon successful completion of the course, nursing assistants receive certification valid for two years. After the certification lapses, nursing assistants must complete a recertification course to maintain their certification status. The recertification class takes approximately three hours and updates nursing assistants about new protocols or techniques since their last certification.





BLS training from the American Red Cross provides essential knowledge and skills that nursing assistants require to respond to sudden medical emergencies. By taking BLS courses, nursing assistants can be confident in their ability to provide life-saving care and reduce the risk of complications or fatalities. BLS certification is valid for two years, and recertification courses are available to refresh assistants' knowledge and skills. By investing in BLS training, nursing assistants are making an essential investment in their careers, enhancing their employability and, most importantly, ensuring their patients receive the best possible care during medical emergencies.

114 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentarios


bottom of page