The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) course is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills they need to assess, recognize and care for patients who are experiencing respiratory arrest or respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, airway obstruction, opioid overdose, or other life-threatening injury or illness. When a patient experiences a life-threatening emergency, healthcare providers need to act swiftly and promptly. The course emphasizes providing high-quality care and integrating psychomotor skills with critical thinking and problem solving to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. Upon successful completion a valid 2 year digital certificate is issued.

This courses is offered in a few formats:

• Instructor Led: All information is presented in person along with a skills practice session. 
• Blended learning: A portion of this class is done online at your own pace on your own schedule. The online portion must be completed prior to the in person component. The in person component focuses on skills practice and knowledge checks.

Class length depends on course format and the specific material being covered. Please see individual course descriptions for estimated class length.

Need more than just BLS? The following modules can be added to this course:

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• First Aid
• Asthma and Quick-Relief Medication Administration
• Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto-Injector Administration
• Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Administration-Nasal Atomizer
• Administering emergency oxygen (coming soon!)
• Life Threatening Bleeding and Tourniquet Application (coming soon!)