One of the most common questions we get is: "What's the difference between BLS and CPR?" The terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different levels of training with different target audiences.
CPR (Heartsaver CPR/AED)
The Heartsaver CPR/AED course is designed for non-healthcare professionals — lay rescuers, teachers, coaches, personal trainers, childcare workers, office employees, and anyone who wants to learn CPR. The course covers:
- CPR for adults, children, and infants
- AED use
- Choking relief
The focus is on simple, immediate actions a bystander can take. No medical background is needed. The certification is valid for 2 years.
BLS (Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers)
The BLS Healthcare Provider course is designed for healthcare professionals — nurses, doctors, EMTs, paramedics, medical assistants, dental professionals, pharmacists, and anyone who works in a clinical setting. The course covers everything in CPR/AED plus:
- 2-rescuer CPR techniques
- Bag-mask ventilation
- Team-based resuscitation
- Healthcare-specific scenarios
Which Do You Need?
Choose Heartsaver CPR/AED if: You're not a healthcare professional but need a CPR card for work or personal knowledge.
Choose BLS if: You're a healthcare professional, healthcare student, or your employer specifically requires "BLS for Healthcare Providers."
Call us at 773-445-2277 and we'll help you figure out exactly which course you need.