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CPR vs BLS: What’s the Difference
Updated: Sep 28
If someone suddenly collapses or stops breathing normally, knowing how to respond can make a critical difference. Two terms commonly associated with emergency response are CPR and BLS.
CPR and BLS are related, but they are not the same type of training.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a lifesaving emergency intervention used when someone is in cardiac arrest or is not breathing normally.
BLS (Basic Life Support) is a broader training program designed primarily for healthcare professionals and other trained responders who may need to provide CPR and basic cardiovascular life support as part of their job.
Understanding the difference between CPR and BLS can help you choose the right course for your job, school, workplace, or personal needs.
CPR vs BLS: The Quick Difference
The simplest way to understand the difference is:
CPR is a lifesaving skill. BLS is a broader training program that includes CPR and other basic life-support skills.
CPR training can be appropriate for parents, teachers, childcare providers, employees, coaches, caregivers, and members of the general public.
BLS training is designed for healthcare professionals and other trained personnel who may need to perform CPR in a healthcare or professional setting. The American Heart Association's BLS course includes high-quality CPR, AED use, ventilations, choking response, and team-based resuscitation. (cpr.heart.org)
What Is CPR?
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
CPR is an emergency procedure performed when a person is experiencing cardiac arrest or is not breathing normally. It helps maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery until an AED can be used and emergency medical services take over.
CPR can be performed by trained healthcare professionals, first responders, and members of the public.
What Does CPR Training Cover?
Depending on the course, CPR training may include:
Recognizing cardiac arrest
Calling 911 or activating the emergency response system
Performing high-quality chest compressions
Providing rescue breaths when appropriate
Using an AED
Responding to choking
Adult CPR
Child CPR
Infant CPR
Many CPR/AED courses are designed for people who do not work in healthcare but may need to respond to an emergency at work, at home, at school, or in the community.
When Is CPR Used?
CPR is used when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, including situations involving cardiac arrest.
Examples can include:
Sudden cardiac arrest
Drowning
Certain choking emergencies that progress to cardiac arrest
Other situations in which a person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally
The appropriate response depends on the circumstances. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, emergency medical services should be activated and CPR should be started as appropriate.
What Is BLS?
BLS stands for Basic Life Support.
BLS training builds on the core principles of CPR and teaches healthcare professionals and other trained responders how to recognize and respond to life-threatening emergencies.
The American Heart Association describes BLS as training for healthcare professionals and other personnel who need to know how to perform CPR and basic cardiovascular life-support skills in a healthcare or emergency setting. (cpr.heart.org)
BLS is not simply “more advanced CPR.” Instead, it is a broader training program that places greater emphasis on healthcare-provider responsibilities, high-quality CPR, AED use, ventilations, choking response, and team-based resuscitation.
What Does BLS Training Cover?
An American Heart Association BLS course includes skills and knowledge such as:
High-quality adult CPR
High-quality child CPR
High-quality infant CPR
AED use
Rescue breathing and ventilations
Recognition of cardiac arrest
Relief of foreign-body airway obstruction
Effective communication during resuscitation
Multirescuer CPR
Team dynamics during resuscitation
The course is designed around the needs of healthcare professionals and other trained personnel who may be expected to respond to cardiac and respiratory emergencies in a professional setting. (cpr.heart.org)
CPR vs BLS: What's the Difference?
The distinction becomes easier to understand when you compare the intended audience and training scope.
CPR | BLS |
A lifesaving emergency intervention | A broader life-support training course |
Commonly taught to the general public | Designed primarily for healthcare professionals and trained responders |
Focuses on CPR and related emergency response skills | Includes CPR plus AED use, ventilations, choking response, and team-based resuscitation |
May be required for jobs such as teaching, childcare, fitness, or workplace safety | Commonly required by healthcare employers, clinical programs, and healthcare professionals |
Available in courses for adults, children, and infants | AHA BLS includes adult, child, and infant CPR |
Appropriate course depends on the job or situation | Appropriate when a healthcare-level BLS credential is required |
The exact requirements vary by employer, school, profession, and training program.
Is BLS the Same as CPR?
No.
CPR is one of the primary skills taught in BLS, but BLS training covers a broader set of skills and places greater emphasis on responding as a healthcare provider or trained responder.
For example, a person taking a general CPR/AED course may learn how to recognize cardiac arrest, perform CPR, and use an AED.
A healthcare professional taking BLS training also practices CPR and AED use but receives training in areas such as ventilations, choking response, and team-based resuscitation. (cpr.heart.org)
Do I Need CPR or BLS?
The answer depends primarily on your job, school, or employer requirements.
You May Need CPR Training If You Are:
A parent or caregiver
A teacher
A childcare provider
A coach
A fitness professional
A workplace employee
A community member
Someone whose employer requires CPR/AED certification
A CPR/AED course may be the appropriate option for people who need basic emergency-response skills but do not work in healthcare.
You May Need BLS If You Are:
A nurse
A physician
A physician assistant
An EMT or paramedic
A respiratory therapist
A dental professional
A healthcare student
Another healthcare professional whose employer or school requires BLS
Healthcare employers and educational programs may specify the exact certification provider and course required.
If your employer or school says you need AHA BLS, make sure you register for an AHA BLS course rather than a general CPR class.
CPR vs BLS for Healthcare Workers
Healthcare professionals frequently need BLS rather than a general CPR certification.
The reason is that healthcare workers may be expected to respond to emergencies as part of a professional team and may have responsibilities beyond those of a lay rescuer.
AHA BLS training specifically addresses high-quality CPR, AED use, ventilations, choking response, and team dynamics. (cpr.heart.org)
However, the exact certification required varies by profession and employer. If you work in healthcare, check with your employer, licensing organization, or educational program before choosing a course.
CPR vs BLS for Teachers and Childcare Providers
Teachers and childcare providers may need CPR training because they work around children and may be responsible for responding to emergencies.
A course that includes adult, child, and infant CPR/AED can be particularly useful for professionals who work with different age groups.
Whether a teacher or childcare provider needs a general CPR course, First Aid certification, or BLS depends on the requirements of the employer, school, licensing authority, or position.
CPR vs BLS for Businesses and Workplaces
Many workplaces provide CPR/AED training to employees as part of their emergency preparedness program.
Workplace CPR training can help employees recognize cardiac emergencies, perform CPR, and use an AED while waiting for emergency medical services.
For most employees who are not healthcare professionals, a general CPR/AED course may be appropriate. If employees have healthcare responsibilities or their employer specifically requires BLS, a BLS course may be necessary instead.
Does BLS Include AED Training?
Yes.
AED use is an important part of BLS training. The American Heart Association BLS course teaches participants how to use an AED as part of the response to cardiac arrest. (cpr.heart.org)
Many general CPR/AED courses also include AED training.
Therefore, AED training alone is not what separates BLS from CPR. The broader scope and healthcare-provider focus of BLS are more important distinctions.
Does BLS Include Child and Infant CPR?
Yes.
The American Heart Association BLS course includes CPR training for adults, children, and infants. (cpr.heart.org)
This is important for healthcare professionals who may encounter patients across different age groups.
However, the exact content of a non-BLS CPR course can vary, so check the course description if you specifically need child and infant CPR.
How Long Does CPR or BLS Certification Last?
American Heart Association CPR and BLS course completion cards are generally valid for two years. The AHA recommends following the expiration date on your course completion card and completing renewal training as required. (cpr.heart.org)
Your employer or school may have additional requirements, including requirements to renew before the expiration date.
Is BLS Harder Than CPR?
It is better to think of BLS as more comprehensive and specifically designed for healthcare providers, rather than simply “harder.”
BLS includes CPR but also addresses additional skills and team-based response concepts relevant to healthcare settings.
The right course is therefore the one that matches your responsibilities and the certification requirements of your employer or school.
How to Choose the Right Course
Before signing up for a CPR or BLS class, ask yourself:
What is the certification for?
If you need training for a workplace, school, childcare position, coaching job, or personal preparedness, a CPR/AED course may be appropriate.
If you are a healthcare professional or healthcare student, you may need BLS.
Does my employer require a specific provider?
Some employers specifically require American Heart Association BLS certification.
Do I need child and infant CPR?
If you work with children, confirm that the course includes the age groups relevant to your job.
Do I need First Aid too?
CPR/BLS and First Aid are separate areas of training. If your employer requires both, make sure you register for a course that provides both certifications.
CPR and BLS Classes in Reno and Northern Nevada
If you are looking for CPR or BLS classes in Reno, the right course depends on your job and certification requirements.
Northern Nevada CPR provides CPR, BLS, AED, and First Aid training for individuals, businesses, schools, healthcare professionals, and groups throughout Reno and Northern Nevada.
Public CPR classes are available for individuals, while group and on-site training can be arranged for workplaces, organizations, and other groups.
Healthcare professionals and students who need an AHA BLS certification can choose a BLS course designed specifically for healthcare-provider requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About CPR vs BLS
Is CPR or BLS better?
CPR and BLS serve different purposes, so the appropriate course depends on your job and certification requirements. CPR is a core lifesaving skill, while BLS is a broader healthcare-focused training course that includes CPR.
Does BLS replace CPR certification?
BLS includes CPR training, but whether a BLS certification satisfies a specific CPR requirement depends on the employer, school, licensing organization, or other organization requesting certification.
Do nurses need CPR or BLS?
Many nurses are required by their employers or clinical settings to maintain BLS certification. Nurses should check their employer and applicable professional requirements to determine which certification is required.
Does CPR include AED training?
Many CPR/AED courses include AED training. BLS training also includes AED use.
Is BLS only for healthcare workers?
The AHA BLS course is primarily designed for healthcare professionals and other trained personnel who need basic cardiovascular life-support skills. Certain non-healthcare professionals may also be required by their employer or organization to obtain BLS certification.
How often do I need to renew CPR or BLS?
AHA CPR and BLS course completion cards are generally valid for two years. Check your certification card and employer or school requirements for the applicable renewal date.
CPR vs BLS: The Bottom Line
CPR and BLS are closely related, but they are not interchangeable terms.
CPR is a lifesaving emergency intervention that can be learned and performed by trained members of the public as well as professionals.
BLS is a broader training program designed primarily for healthcare professionals and other trained responders. It includes CPR along with AED use, ventilations, choking response, and team-based resuscitation.
If you need CPR training for work, school, childcare, fitness, or personal preparedness, a CPR/AED course may be appropriate.
If you work in healthcare or your employer specifically requires BLS certification, choose a BLS course that meets those requirements.
If you are unsure which course you need, check with your employer, school, or organization before registering.
Looking for CPR or BLS training in Reno and Northern Nevada?
Northern Nevada CPR offers CPR, BLS, AED, and First Aid training for individuals, businesses, schools, healthcare professionals, and groups.