BLS vs. HeartSaver

Not sure whether you need BLS or HeartSaver CPR training? Learn the difference between these two American Heart Association courses and which one is right for you.

If you’ve been told that you need to get CPR certified, you may have started looking for a class and quickly realized there are several different options. BLS, HeartSaver, CPR/AED, First Aid… it can be confusing to figure out which course you actually need.

The good news is that choosing between BLS and HeartSaver is usually pretty simple once you understand who each course is designed for.

What Is HeartSaver CPR?

American Heart Association HeartSaver courses are designed primarily for people who are not healthcare professionals but need or want CPR and emergency response training.

Depending on the specific course, HeartSaver training can include CPR, AED use, and first aid for adults, children, and infants.

Heartsaver courses are commonly appropriate for people such as:

• Teachers and school staff

• Childcare providers

• Coaches and fitness professionals

• Workplace employees

• Babysitters and caregivers

• Parents and other community members

• Anyone whose employer requires CPR and/or first aid certification

The goal is to give people the knowledge and hands-on skills they need to recognize an emergency, begin appropriate care, and respond confidently until emergency medical services arrive.

What Is BLS?

BLS stands for Basic Life Support, and it is designed primarily for healthcare professionals and other individuals whose jobs require them to respond to cardiac and respiratory emergencies in a healthcare setting.

BLS training goes beyond basic CPR instruction. It focuses heavily on high-quality CPR, early recognition and response to life-threatening emergencies, AED use, and working as part of a team during a resuscitation.

BLS is commonly required for professionals such as:

• Nurses

• Nursing students

• Physicians and medical students

• Dentists and dental professionals

• EMTs and other healthcare providers

• Medical assistants

• CNAs and other healthcare workers

• Other professionals whose employers require AHA BLS certification

If your school, employer, or healthcare organization specifically tells you that you need BLS, a Heartsaver course generally isn't the course you should register for instead.

So, What's the Difference Between BLS and HeartSaver?

Both courses teach CPR and AED skills, but they are designed for different audiences and situations.

HeartSaver is generally intended for people who are not healthcare professionals but need CPR, AED, and/or first aid training for work, childcare, or personal preparedness.

BLS is designed for healthcare professionals and others with a professional duty to respond to life-threatening emergencies and who may need to provide care in a healthcare setting.

One isn't necessarily “better” than the other. The right course depends on what your job, school, or organization requires.

What If My Employer Just Says I Need “CPR Certification”?

This is where things can get confusing.

If your employer or school tells you that you need to be CPR certified, don't automatically assume that any CPR course will meet the requirement.

Before registering, check to see whether they specifically require:

• AHA BLS

• AHA HeartSaver CPR/AED

• AHA HeartSaver First Aid CPR AED

• Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid

• Adult, child, and infant CPR

• Another specific certification or training provider

If you're unsure, ask your employer or program administrator which certification they require. It is much easier to confirm before taking a class than to discover afterward that you completed the wrong course.

What About Healthcare Workers Who Aren't Sure?

If you work in a healthcare environment, BLS is often the appropriate choice, but your employer or licensing program should have the final say.

For example, a dental office may require BLS for its clinical staff, while a business or childcare center may require Heartsaver CPR/AED and First Aid.

When in doubt, check your specific requirements before registering.

What If I Need to Renew My BLS Certification?

If you already have an active BLS certification and it is approaching its expiration date, you may be eligible for a BLS renewal course rather than taking the full initial course again.

The important thing is to pay attention to your expiration date and complete your renewal before your current certification expires so you don't have a lapse in your credentials.

If your certification has already expired, check with your employer or training provider about whether you need to complete an initial course instead.

Still Not Sure Which Course You Need?

You're not alone. The names of CPR courses can be confusing, especially when employers and schools use “CPR certification” as a general term.

At Choice CPR Training & First Aid, we offer American Heart Association courses including BLS and HeartSaver CPR/AED and First Aid. If you're not sure which course is right for you, we're happy to help you understand the differences and choose the course that matches your requirements.

The most important thing is to make sure you're taking the right certification for your specific job, school, or organization.

Once you know which course you need, the next step is simple: get trained, practice your skills, and be prepared to respond when it matters most.