BLS and CPR are both life-saving procedures that involve chest compressions and rescue breaths, but they have some differences. BLS stands for Basic Life Support, and it is a more advanced and comprehensive form of CPR training that is intended for healthcare professionals and other personnel who need to provide basic life support in various emergency situations. BLS also includes the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and team-based coordination. CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and it is a simpler and more accessible form of CPR training that is suitable for anyone who wants to learn how to help adults, children, and infants during cardiac emergencies. CPR can be performed anywhere without any medical tools or instruments. 

An AED (automated external defibrillator) and a defibrillator are both devices that can deliver an electric shock to the heart of a person who is experiencing a cardiac arrest. However, they have some differences in how they work and who can use them. Here are some of the main differences:

• An AED is a type of defibrillator that is designed to be used by anyone, even without medical training. It has sensors that can detect the heart rhythm of the person and decide if a shock is needed or not. It also has voice and visual instructions that guide the user on how to use it. An AED is usually found in public places like schools, airports, malls, etc.
• A defibrillator is a more general term that can refer to different types of devices that can deliver a shock to the heart. Some defibrillators are manual, meaning that they require a trained medical professional to operate them. They have monitors that display the heart rhythm of the person and knobs that allow the user to adjust the shock intensity and timing. Manual defibrillators are usually found in hospitals, ambulances, and other medical settings.

Cardiac arrest and heart attack are both serious heart conditions, but they have different causes and symptoms. A cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical problem in the heart. A person who has a cardiac arrest will lose consciousness, stop breathing, and have no pulse. A heart attack is when the blood flow to the heart is blocked by a clot or plaque in the arteries. A person who has a heart attack will usually have chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea. A heart attack can lead to a cardiac arrest, but not always. Both conditions require immediate medical attention. 

Certainly! We provide onsite group training for teams and organizations.  Our goal is to ensure that your employees receive the highest quality CPR training.  Here’s how our program works:

1. Flexible Training Solutions:

• We understand that each organization has unique needs. Our training solutions are customizable to meet your corporate guidelines and stay within your budget.
• Whether your training is required by OSHA, part of your company policy, or you simply want a safer workplace, we’ve got you covered.

2. Blended Learning Approach:

• For First Aid/CPR/AED and Basic Life Support (BLS) courses, we offer a blended learning approach.
• Employees complete online training portion at their convenience, following public health guidelines related to the coronavirus pandemic.
• Afterward, they schedule an in-person skills session with one of our expert Red Cross Instructors.
• Upon successful completion, participants receive a 2-year Red Cross certification.

3. On-Site Training:

• Our expert instructors come to your location, bringing all the necessary equipment.
• We offer in-person classes for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, BLS, and Babysitting.
• These classes use social distancingapproaches and comply with public health guidance.
• Instructors combine virtual skills training and testingto ensure safety.

Heart disease is a condition that affects the heart and blood vessels and can lead to serious problems such as heart attack and stroke. There are many factors that can increase your risk of developing heart disease, some of which you can control and some of which you cannot. Some of the common risk factors for heart disease are:

• High blood pressure: This is when the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries is too high and can damage your heart and blood vessels over time. You can lower your blood pressure by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and taking medication if prescribed by your doctor.
• High cholesterol: This is when you have too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood, and can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to your heart. You can lower your cholesterol by eating less saturated and trans fats, more fiber, and more omega-3 fatty acids, and taking medication if prescribed by your doctor.
• Diabetes: This is when your body does not make enough insulin or use it properly, and can cause high blood sugar levels, which can damage your heart and blood vessels. You can manage your diabetes by following a healthy diet, monitoring your blood sugar, exercising regularly, and taking medication if prescribed by your doctor.
• Smoking: This is when you inhale the smoke from tobacco products and can harm your heart and blood vessels by increasing your blood pressure, reducing your oxygen levels, and damaging your artery walls. You can reduce your risk of heart disease by quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Obesity: This is when you have too much body fat and can increase your risk of heart disease by raising your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and putting extra strain on your heart. You can lower your risk of heart disease by losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.
• Physical inactivity: This is when you do not get enough physical activity and can increase your risk of heart disease by weakening your heart and blood vessels, and increasing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. You can lower your risk of heart disease by getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week and doing some muscle-strengthening activities as well.
• Unhealthy diet: This is when you eat foods that are high in calories, fat, salt, and sugar, and low in nutrients, and can increase your risk of heart disease by raising your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and causing weight gain. You can lower your risk of heart disease by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and limiting your intake of processed foods, fast foods, and sugary drinks.

These are some of the main risk factors for heart disease, but there are also others, such as age, gender, family history, and stress, that you cannot change. However, by controlling the factors that you can, you can lower your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health.

Log into your Red Cross Learning Center account.  Once logged in, select “My Certifications” from the site navigation.  From there you will find a list of your certificates.  Click on the certificate that you want to access.  Choose the option to “Link to the Certificate” to view, print, download, or share it.

Your American Red Cross certification is valid for two years from the date of successful completion.  After that period, you can extend your certification by taking renewal classes.

1. The American Red Cross offers a wide variety of classes to meet different needs. Depending on your specific requirements, you might need one or more of the following certifications:

   1. CPR/AED Certification
   2. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
   3. First Aid Certification
   4. Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Training
   5. Lifeguarding Certification
   6. Babysitting and Childcare Certification
   7. Other Specialized Certifications

   Remember to choose the certification(s) that align with your specific role, responsibilities, and interests. If you’re unsure, feel free to explore the Red Cross website or contact them directly for guidance. 

Certainly!  We provide recertification classes to help you maintain your certifications.

• Expert Instruction: For over a century, we’ve prepared individuals and organizations to be ready in emergencies.
• Customizable Solutions: Our flexible training meets certification requirements for workplaces and healthcare providers.
• Training Saves Lives: Each year, the Red Cross trains millions of people, saving lives at homes, businesses, and schools.