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Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Course at Defensive Firearms Instruction

October 24, 2024

At Defensive Firearms Instruction, we are committed to providing comprehensive training for healthcare and public safety professionals, which includes our American Red Cross (ARC) certified Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification course. This essential program is designed to equip nurses, physicians, EMS professionals, and other public safety personnel with the critical skills to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children, and infants. Whether you are working in a hospital, a clinic, or on the front lines of emergency services, BLS training ensures you have the necessary skills to act effectively in life-threatening situations.

What is the BLS Certification Course?
Our Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification course is taught in a 4 ½ hour classroom setting by experienced instructors who follow the latest science-based information provided by the American Red Cross. This course is ideal for individuals and teams, focusing on up-to-date protocols designed to enhance patient care and outcomes. The curriculum has been developed under the guidance of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, a panel of nationally recognized experts across medical, scientific, and academic fields. This ensures that our course meets or exceeds local, state, and national standards.

Course Content
The BLS Certification course emphasizes a scenario-based learning approach, where students practice and refine their critical thinking, teamwork, and clinical decision-making skills. This method allows for real-world application of the techniques learned, preparing students to handle emergencies with confidence and precision. The course also emphasizes debriefing and reflection, ensuring that students can improve upon their experiences.


Course topics include:

  • Rapid Assessment and Visual Survey
  • CPR/AED for Adults, Children, and Infants
  • Addressing Obstructed Airways
  • Opioid Overdose Management
  • Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Communication, and Teamwork
  • Emergency Medical Services System Overview
  • Legal Considerations
  • Precautions to Ensure Personal Safety


Upon completing the course, students receive an American Red Cross BLS Certification card, valid for two years from the date of issue.

BLS Recertification
It is crucial for healthcare professionals to maintain their certification to remain prepared for emergencies. If your BLS Certification is nearing expiration or has expired within the past 30 days, you can take a Basic Life Support (BLS) Re-certification course, which is an abbreviated version of the full program. Successfully completing this review course will extend your certification for another two years. However, if your certification expired more than 30 days ago, you must retake the full course to regain certification.

Understanding the Difference: BLS vs. First Aid and CPR
When comparing BLS with First Aid, it is important to recognize that BLS is designed for healthcare professionals, covering a broader range of skills needed for resuscitation, including single- and multiple-responder CPR and AED use. In addition, BLS teaches advanced care techniques, such as managing obstructed airways, and is specifically tailored to first responders in high-stakes environments.


On the other hand, CPR training is more focused on preparing laypersons and workplace responders to manage cardiac emergencies in community settings. While both certifications are vital, BLS training provides more in-depth instruction for healthcare providers who need to meet professional standards in life-saving care.

Why BLS Certification is Essential
BLS Certification from Defensive Firearms Instruction is not only a requirement for many healthcare and public safety roles, but it also provides individuals with the confidence and competence to act quickly in emergency situations. The training prepares participants for careers in the medical field, emergency services, law enforcement, or any profession where caring for others is a priority.

What to Bring
When attending the Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification course, students should bring the following:

  • A valid form of government-issued Photo ID
  • Notepad and pen for taking notes during lectures


For those seeking to elevate their lifesaving skills and maintain professional standards, BLS Certification offers indispensable training. Contact Defensive Firearms Instruction today to enroll and ensure that you are prepared to provide life-saving care when it is needed most.

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