Understanding the difference between ACLS vs BLS is essential for healthcare professionals seeking certification.
BLS (Basic Life Support) focuses on foundational emergency care like CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), chest compressions, and (Automated External Defibrillator) AED use. Whereas, ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) goes a step further, covering advance skills such as ECG interpretation, medication administration, and managing complex cardiac emergencies.
Knowing the key differences will help you decide which certification you need for your role to meet job requirements and provide the best care for medical emergencies.
What is BLS?
BLS stands for Basic Life Support.
BLS courses are designed for healthcare providers and first responders. It focuses on providing basic emergency care, including:
- High-quality chest compressions
- Rescue breaths and airway management
- AED use
- choking relief
BLS training emphasizes single and two-rescuer CPR.
Who Needs BLS?
The target audience for BLS is certification is non-medical professionals or as a foundation for ACLS certification for medical professionals.
- Nurses and nursing students
- Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics (before ACLS)
- Medical assistants
- Physical Therapists
- Dentists and dental hygienists
- Some fitness professionals
What is ACLS?
ACLS stands for Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
ACLS builds on BLS techniques, but focuses on recognizing and managing life-threatening emergencies like sudden cardiac arrest and other life-threatening conditions, including:
- stroke
- acute coronary syndromes
- Bradycardia, tachycardia, arrhythmias
- Post-cardiac arrest care
ACLS training covers advanced airway management, IV access, medical administration, ECG interpretation, and team dynamics.
The American Heart Association requires Basic Life Support skills as a foundation for ACLS certification.
Who Needs ACLS?
ACLS is required for health care professionals that work with patients in critical care or emergency settings, or work with resuscitation in a team setting.
- Physicians
- Anesthesiologists
- Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Respiratory Therapists
- Intensive care unit and emergency department healthcare workers in critical care settings
Key Differences Between ACLS and BLS
Can You Take ACLS Without BLS?
It’s technically possible to take an ACLS course without a BLS certification, but most employers and certification centers require a BLS certification prior to ACLS.
Is ACLS harder than BLS?
Yes, ACLS is harder than BLS because it requires a solid knowledge of BLS skills, and requires more advanced, complex knowledge and hands-on practice.
Do nurses need BLS or ACLS?
Nurses need ACLS, but in order to get an ACLS certification, a current BLS certification is required.
How long is ACLS valid for?
ACLS and BLS are valid for 2 years before requiring a renewal certification.
Is ACLS only for paramedics?
No. While ACLS is required for paramedics, it’s also required for many other heathcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
How and Where to Get BLS and ACLS Certifications
Whether you’re a medical professional or an emergency responder, selecting the best training program is crucial to establishing your fundamental life-saving capabilities or enhancing your medical knowledge. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association both provide BLS certification courses and ACLS certification courses using numerous providers nationwide.
Numerous hospitals, medical schools, and training centers certified by regulatory bodies offer in-person instruction and web-based training backed by practice in a clinical environment to satisfy training needs. Such training facilities cover everything from top-quality CPR and operation of an AED to advanced procedures such as administration of drugs, respiratory emergencies, and treating airway blockage or ventricular fibrillation.
To identify the best program, consult your employer or your state’s licensing board to find approved providers, or look at the AHA and Red Cross websites to identify certified training centers in your area. The correct certification is just the beginning to enhancing patient outcomes and delivering the highest standard of treatment during emergencies.
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