Never heard of terms like BLS & ACLS before? Don’t worry you’ll get brief idea about both the terms in much simplified way! Not get overwhelmed by the terminologies whenever you’ll read or see it again on a newspaper maybe?.
What is BLS? What BLS stands for? Difference between BLS & ACLS? Well, in the most basic terms, the literal meaning of both ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and BLS (Basic Life Support) are the same learning the proper techniques to aid in saving the life of someone in cardiac arrest.
So, what and how we can differentiate between the two terms? Basically it’s a level of advancement between ACLS and BLS is what is most noticeable. It is quite obvious from their names, BLS is a basic level course and ACLS is much more advanced. In much simpler terms BLS is the foundation, ACLS is the structure of knowledge which is built upon that.
Basic Life Support- BLS
BLS, is the foundation of life saving knowledge. What you’ll learn is about the basics of AED and CPR as well other basic lifesaving techniques. BLS is primarily lifesaving skills that you might use when you are outside of a hospital. It is not essential for you to be a medical profession as it is basic lifesaving skills. This course is commonly recommended for coaches, teachers, babysitters and a host of other professional working around large groups of people.
Is THE bls COURSE for you?
A BLS course can be attended by anyone who wants to know the basic techniques of life support such as CPR and using AED. Most of the times, BLS is performed outside of hospital conditions and doesn’t have to be performed by a medical expert. A person who usually opts for a BLS course includes teachers, babysitters, lifeguards, and others who might find himself in life-threatening situations.
Whereas, 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. Specifically, Physicians, nurses, paramedics, dentists, and others have to take this course.
wHAT ARE THE PREQUISITE FOR EACH COURSE?
It’s always beneficial to have some basic medical knowledge, but in the case of BLS, it’s not required. If we talk about BLS vs ACLS, BLS is available to a much wider audience.
On the contrary to which, ACLS includes previous knowledge on the subject. Usually, people who take an ACLS course have previously have a BLS certificate because the course has a BLS review part that includes materials that covered in it. It is recommended to get started with a BLS course prior to ACLS; it will help you complete the ACLS course successfully.
ADVANCED CARDIOVASCULAR LIFE SUPPORT- ACLS
As per the name we can easily guessed that it is advance level course and is usually taken by health professionals. ACLS is all about how to treat conditions ranging from cardiac arrest and myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) to stroke and other life-threatening emergencies. There are parts of ACLS which involves healthcare professionals interpreting a patient’s heart rhythm using an electrocardiogram. Based on this heart rhythm, decisions are made regarding treatment options.
What are the outcomes of this course?
After taking this course, you should be able to
- You’ll be able to define systems of care
- You’ll be able to apply the BLS, Primary, and Secondary Assessments sequence for a systematic evaluation of adult patients
- Will be able to discuss how the use of a rapid response team (RRT) or medical emergency team (MET) may improve patient outcomes
- Can discuss early recognition and management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), including appropriate disposition.
- Also, can discuss early recognition and management of stroke, including appropriate disposition
- To recognize respiratory arrest
- Can perform early management of respiratory arrest
- Essentially, recognize cardiac arrest
- To Perform prompt, high-quality BLS including prioritizing early chest compressions and integrating early automated external defibrillator (AED) use
- Also, to perform early management of cardiac arrest until termination of resuscitation or transfer of care, including immediate post–cardiac arrest care
To evaluate resuscitative efforts during a cardiac arrest through continuous assessment of CPR quality, monitoring the patient’s physiologic response, and delivering real-time feedback to the team
