What is BLS certification?

BLS certification is earned through a training course, which covers how to revive, resuscitate or sustain a patient in cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. BLS is short for Basic Life Support.

Skills learned by taking a BLS course include mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and CPR. The procedures covered do not require medical equipment to perform.

BLS certification can be required for a health care professional position. A BLS certification is the most basic certification that can be acquired. The Red Cross and American Heart Association offer the short course.

Positions that often require a BLS certification include lifeguarding, coaching, and careers working with infants, young children and the elderly.