Recent studies indicate that over 350,000 cardiac arrest cases happen outside the hospital annually. If you are near someone experiencing a cardiac arrest, you may administer essential life support before getting the patient to a medical center. Basic life support (BLS) is a CPR certification that refers to the level of training given to healthcare providers rather than the general public.
However, an assessment should be done immediately to determine if BLS is needed. First, find out what the emergency is and call for help. Then administer the proper procedures such as CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, or the use of a defibrillator.
After certification, you can administer the necessary life support to someone who is choking or near-drowning. To be BLS-certified, one must attend courses and pass a series of tests. This article explores the upside of enrolling in a basic life support class.
Boosts Your Confidence
Recognizing the signs of someone in medical distress and then being able to assist them can mean the difference between life and death in most scenarios. In case of emergency, your response time to the patient is vital. Each second counts, and that is why it is essential to have the right skills.
Enrolling in a basic life support class increases your confidence in emergencies that require life-saving measures such as CPR. A basic life support class will give you the confidence to quickly act whenever necessary. The training also reduces the amount of hesitation while treating emergencies.
You will feel secure in the knowledge that you are taking the right actions required to save a life. Being confident is very important, especially if you are dealing with medical emergencies. When you are assertive, you take control of a situation and direct the bystanders as necessary.
Keeps You Prepared
Proper BLS training inculcates the habit of being prepared for all kinds of situations. It will uplift you to handle every case regardless of where you are. These skills apply at home, workplace, and even to strangers.
By undertaking a basic life support class, you can manage sudden circumstances like road accidents or any natural calamity. You are readily equipped to perform the necessary medical support at any time and whenever it is needed. BLS classes will help you be better placed to respond to common dangers.
People with essential life support skills can take action before the emergency services respond. A basic life support class will prepare you when it comes to handling situations that range from choking to assisting someone having a stroke. Basic Life Support training uses a scenario-based approach to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that drive better patient outcomes.
Increases Your Value as an Employee
When seeking employment in specific fields, employers often look favorably on applicants who are BLS certified. They prefer individuals who can perform basic first aid, including the ability to administer life-saving techniques such as CPR. A BLS course through CPR training gives you skills that will increase your value to potential employers.
In some instances, employers may require BLS certification as a part of their employment eligibility criteria. If you find a job description that asks for BLS certification, it is probably best to take that as an indication that they are looking for healthcare provider-level CPR training. Employers may be looking for someone with the expertise of a paramedic or nurse.
However, if you are applying for a soccer coach position, it is possible that the employer only requires the CPR certification. Jobs outside the medical profession will likely ask for your existing CPR certification. When uncertain about the required certification, ask for clarification from the HR department.
Final Thoughts
Adding BLS training to your CPR certification course will make you better equipped to handle medical situations. The basic life support class helps participants to recognize several life-threatening emergencies and act accordingly. It is a worthwhile course that could save a person in dire need of immediate medical attention.
