Basic life support (BLS)

Training & Certification

CPR that is designed by the American Heart Association specifically for those who work in healthcare setting.

The AHA BLS Course is your essential gateway to life-saving skills that could make all the difference in critical situations. Designed by the American Heart Association, this comprehensive course equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies in both prehospital and in-facility settings. Upon completion of this course, student will receive a BLS certification from the AHA that is valid for 2 years.

Course Details

This is what you will learn about in a BLS class.

  1. Key signs and symptoms for strokes and heart attacks.
  2. The BLS Survey.
  3. CPR for Adult, Child and Infant.
  4. Various techniques of providing ventilations.
  5. AED operations and precautions.
  6. Choking identification and management.
  7. Team dynamics.

Who should take this class?

This course is recommended for, but not limited to, the following types of professions:

Our class registration process is simple.

Pick between our traditional classroom or online-hybrid course options below. Check out our FAQ section below if you have questions or give us a call!

BLS taught entirely in a classroom

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Class length: 3 hours

Price: $70

BLS Online-Hybrid Course

Please read the following helpful tips below before registering.
At this time, skills sessions are being offered only at our Mount Vernon location.

Also referred to as BLS Heartcode, this hybrid-online course allows you to learn the material at your own pace online.

We say to plan for 2 hours to complete the online module however some students may finish it in 30 minutes and some, 3 hours. It is self-paced and time will  vary.

This class has 2 components: Online module (part 1) and In-person skills session (part 2). 

Both parts are required to receive a valid BLS certification, good for 2 years. 

The online module for this course is owned entirely by the American Heart Association (AHA).

We prefer you buy the course directly from them. 

To purchase, please click the “Purchase” button below. You’ll be taken directly to their website to complete your transaction.

Please review AHA’s refund policy regarding eLearning products here.

Because this is an AHA eLearning course, we are unable to assist with your online module if you are having trouble. Please contact them directly at 1-(888) 277-5463.

Once you have completed your online module (part 1), you will receive a course completion certificate. 

Bring this certificate with you on the day of your skills session or email it to support@firstrescuecpr.com. 

We cannot accept you into the class without this certificate.

BLS online course – Part 1

Online module: Varies

Price: $36

BLS skills session – Part 2

Session length: 1 hour

Price: $50


The First Rescue CPR Advantage

First aid training
group of smiling people with cpr dummy applauding during first aid training class

Looking for a group class?

If you have a group of people who need to take this class, you have the option to book a private group session with us.

The class can be held at our office or at yours!

Questions about BLS

What is BLS?

BLS stands for Basic Life Support. It is a set of life-saving techniques that focus on maintaining circulation and oxygenation during a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening emergencies.

Who should take BLS?

BLS training is recommended for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

How long is the BLS certificate valid for?

BLS certifications typically last for two years. After this period, individuals are required to take a recertification course to renew their certification

What topics are covered in BLS?

BLS classes cover a range of topics, including CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use, rescue breathing, and techniques for assisting choking victims.

Do I need any prior medical knowledge to take a BLS class?

No prior medical knowledge is required to take a BLS class. The course is designed to be accessible to both healthcare and non-healthcare professionals.

Is there a written exam in the BLS course?

BLS courses from the American Heart Association does include a written exam to assess understanding of the theoretical concepts. However, the focus is usually on practical skills assessments, such as CPR and AED use.

Are there any physical requirements for BLS training?

BLS training involves hands-on practice of chest compressions and other skills. Participants should be physically capable of performing these tasks. If someone has concerns about their ability to participate, it is advisable to consult with the instructor beforehand.

Can I take an online BLS course?

While some components of BLS training can be completed online, to be valid, the course also requires in-person skills practice and assessment. 

See above to learn more about our online-hybrid course options.

What is the difference between BLS and CPR?

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a component of BLS. BLS includes a broader set of skills, incorporating not only CPR but also use of bag-valve masks, assessing pulses, and team dynamics.

Can I take a BLS class if I've never done it before?

Absolutely. BLS courses are designed for both first-time learners and those seeking recertification. Instructors will adapt the content to accommodate participants at various experience levels.