What Is the Difference Between BLS and ACLS Certification

What Is the Difference Between BLS and ACLS Certification

If you have been wondering about the difference between BLS and ACLS, you’ve come to the right place. The first thing you need to know is that BLS (Basic Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) are very similar, but not exactly the same. 

In their essence, both ACLS/BLS have the same goal and that is to teach people how to use life support techniques and save someone’s life in case of a cardiac arrest. The difference lies in their audience and the way these courses achieve their objectives. We will try to explain the basic difference between the two.

The Difference Between ACLS and BLS?

The first and most obvious difference between the two courses is their level of advancement. Just like its name says, ACLS is more advanced than BLS, but it contains everything that is covered by a BLS course. To be able to understand the main similarities and differences, we will try to give you an overview of their most prominent characteristics. 

For whom are the courses made?  

A BLS course can attend anyone who wants to know the basic techniques of life support such as CPR and using AED. Usually, BLS is performed outside of hospital conditions and doesn’t have to be performed by a medical expert. People who normally opt for a BLS course include teachers, babysitters, lifeguards, and others who may find themselves in life-threatening situations. 

On the contrary, an ACLS course is necessary for all healthcare professionals and is drafted in a way that only someone with previous medical knowledge can take it. Physicians, nurses, paramedics, dentists, and others have to take this course. 

What background knowledge do you need for each course?

It’s always a plus to have some basic medical knowledge, but in the case of BLS, it’s not required. In the case of BLS vs ACLS, BLS is available to a much wider audience. 

On the other hand, ACLS calls for previous knowledge on the subject. Commonly, people who start an ACLS course have previously obtained a BLS certificate because the course has a BLS review part that includes materials that covered in it. If you have already gone through a BLS course, you will be able to complete the ACLS course quickly and successfully. 

What additional features do courses offer?

Since BLS is a basic course on life support, you will only get basic knowledge in this field. The part on the recommended drug and medication dosages isn’t included in it. 

With ACLS courses, all attendees will learn about various pharmaceutical medications, appropriate dosages, as well as suggestions on medication application and their particularities. 

What resources and tools do the courses use? 

Both courses teach the attendees the proper techniques that include using an AED (Automated external defibrillator). In the case of ACLS vs BLS, ACLS courses offer more information on other materials and tools that help them manage in a life-threatening situation. Some of the additional resources and tools in ACLS courses include proper ECG readings, the intubation procedure, and intravenous medications. 

How to obtain a BLS or ACLS certificate?

You can obtain your BLS ACLS certificate from a legitimate center that specializes in these certificates. If you aren’t interested in attending day-long classes, you can contact us at AZACLS and make sure to take the course of your choice whenever and wherever you want. Besides the mentioned BLS and ACLS courses, we offer a PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) course as well. Contact us today and we can arrange everything for you. 

Regardless of what course you opt for, you will gain significant knowledge on how to help other people in dangerous situations. Although ACLS is a bit more complex, both courses offer valuable information to their target audience.