Basic Life Support (BLS)

The AHA’s BLS course trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations and provide early use of an AED. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).

Who should take this course?

The AHA’s BLS Course is designed for healthcare professionals and other personnel who need to know how to perform CPR and other basic cardiovascular life support skills in a wide variety of in-facility and prehospital settings.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Course Options

What does this course teach?

  • High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
  • The AHA Chain of Survival, specifically the BLS components
  • Important early use of an AED
  • Effective ventilations using a barrier device
  • Importance of teams in multirescuer resuscitation and performance as an effective team member during multirescuer CPR
  • Relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for adults and infants

Ready to take a Basic Life Support (BLS) class?

The AHA offers options for how you can purchase BLS. You can take a full classroom course, take a blended learning course (HeartCode BLS + a hands-on skills session training), or purchase additional course materials. Choose from the options below.
Sign up for a BLS classroom course near you Find a hands-on skills session for HeartCode BLS Purchase HeartCode BLS or other BLS course materials

Course Completion Card

Upon completion of all course requirements, participants receive a BLS Provider Course Completion Card which is valid for two years.
Learn more about Course Completion Cards

Continuing Education Credits

Depending on which BLS course option you choose, CE/CME may be available for your profession.
Find more information about CE/CME credits available for this course