Advanced cardiac life support and basic life support are crucial techniques to help save lives during emergencies such as cardiac arrest. Proper training can equip individuals to respond to such emergencies and save lives. Although they are similar in their end goal, they vary depending on the training and techniques needed to save the lives of patients. If you are. a babysitter, nurse, lifeguard, or somebody taking care of the safety of others, it is crucial to know the difference between ACLS and BLS. You must recertify ACLS online to keep administering these valuable skills whenever needed.
What is BLS?
Basic life support includes an automated external defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. BLS also teaches participants to clear obstructed airways. Anyone can seek BLS training, as it is the most basic form of life-saving care.
BLS teaches practitioners to assess the scenario and read the vitals of the victim. Additionally, participants learn how to determine the best treatment and perform it until advanced care becomes available for more experienced responders to arrive. It is also the basic training to seek prior to enrolling in the ACLS course.
What does the BLS certification involve?
- CPR for adults, children, and infants
- Proper use of AED
- Giving ventilation with the help of a barrier device, including a bag valve mask.
- Performing life-saving support as a team
- Clear foreign body obstructions for adults and infants.
What is ACLS?
Advanced cardiac life support teaches the same skills as BLS. However, it builds upon the skills to prepare healthcare professionals who might direct other healthcare professionals or participate in managing cardiovascular emergencies.
ACLS teaches participants to recognize the signs of respiratory and cardiac arrest in an individual. This includes several peri-arrest conditions. First responders also receive related pharmacology to manage ACS and stroke.
Healthcare professionals who might receive an ACLS certification include police officers, EMTs, doctors, and firefighters. ACLS involves the following modules:
- Administration of BLS techniques
- Recognizing and managing respiratory arrest
- Recognizing and managing cardiac arrest
- ACLS pharmacology
- ECG reading
- Airway management
- Intravenous care
- Post-cardiac arrest care
ACLS vs. BLS: What are the differences?
The primary difference between ACLS and BLS is that ACLS needs more advanced knowledge and expertise as compared to BLS. BLS training is mandatory prior to receiving ACLS training. The ACLS training teaches the BLS course modules in depth.
1. ACLS vs. BLS: Certification
The BLS certification teaches life-saving techniques grindrprofiles performed outside of hospital settings. Anyone can take BLS training, including non-medical professionals. It is beneficial for managing individuals. This includes coaches, babysitters, lifeguards, and teachers. On the contrary, the ACLS certification is ideal for medical professionals, including nurses, doctors, and EMTs.
2. Requirement of a medical background
Medical expertise is a must for the BLS certification. Prior knowledge helps, but is not necessary. Basic life support teaches the skills to anyone, irrespective of their professional background.
On the other hand, the ACLS certification requires participants to be BLS certified before seeking the ACLS course. If you do not have the training, then you must have other basic medical training to take this course.
3. Requirement of tools and resources
ACLS teaches advanced medical skills such as ECG reading, administering medication during emergencies, IV administration, and other skills with similar expertise. This prepares individuals better to handle emergencies. However, it is crucial to note that this knowledge is not included in the BLS. These skills require a higher degree of medical expertise to perform effectively.
Conclusion
If you want to know which is more effective, well, both are effective life-saving techniques. BLS teaches foundational knowledge, and anyone can take it. It prepares individuals for taking advanced medical certification courses. It can be a viable option to train and handle life-threatening situations outside of hospital settings. ACLS involves more advanced knowledge for medical professionals to learn and utilize. If you work in an environment where cardiac arrest is a higher possibility, then you might take ACLS training and recertify ACLS online on time.
FAQs
Who needs an ACLS course?
Anyone working in the medical profession requires an ACLS course. This certification ensures that trainees are well prepared for facing life-threatening situations. Moreover, they act in a way that is in the best interest of the victim. If you work in any other environment where cardiac emergencies are likely to happen, you may need certification training. For example, if you are nursing home personnel, you may seek ACLS training, depending on the employer.
How long does ACLS certification last?
Upon completion of the ACLS certification course, participants receive a course card valid for two years. The individual needs to retake the course to stay certified. This information is crucial and can mean the difference between life and death for a victim. You must recertify on time to stay on the same and up-to-date list.
Is ATLS the same as ACLS?
ATLS and ACLS are not the same. ATLS is advanced trauma life support and teaches medical professionals to treat life-threatening and limb-threatening injuries. Both courses are designed for medical professionals. ATLS helps trauma victims and saves an individual’s life while minimizing long-term effects.
