If I have ACLS or PALS, do I need to take BLS?
How old do I need to be to take a class?
The AHA/HSI & ARC do not have age requirements for any of their provider level classes. As long as the person is able to sit through a 2-4 hour class, and perform the skills, they should be able to receive certification. Typically we recommend students be 12 or older for CPR and First Aid Training. The limiting factor is strength and cognitive maturity to perform sills appropriately, accurately and mentally. For younger students, the Friends and Family courses are more concise and provide foundational knowledge.
Should non healthcare workers in a healthcare field take Heartsaver or BLS?
BLS is training for healthcare workers and HeartSaver is training for lay responders. However, oftentimes when people work in a healthcare setting they opt to have all employees trained in BLS so the facility can take a team approach to CPR. However, this generally is not a licensure or state requirement but up to the facility.
CNA’s are required to have CPR training however most states don’t delineate that it be Heartsaver or BLS. However, if a CNA were to be in a hospital setting, BLS training would be more appropriate. Conversely, if a CNA were working in a home setting, Heartsaver training is likely more applicable.