What is the Difference Between BLS and CPR?
Basic Life Support (BLS) vs. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): What’s the Difference and Why it matters?
Cardiac emergencies are unpredictable and can occur at any time. In India, sudden cardiac arrest causes approximately 7 lakh deaths annually. Studies suggest that over 70% of these deaths occur outside hospitals, often due to a lack of timely intervention, and immediate intervention can double or even triple the chances of survival.
In this regard, two commonly encountered terms in emergency response training are Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). While both are life-saving interventions focusing on reviving individuals in medical distress, understanding their differences is crucial for healthcare professionals, emergency responders, and the general public.
Keep reading to learn the difference between Basic Life Support and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
What is Basic Life Support (BLS)?
Basic Life Support (BLS) is a structured level of medical care provided to individuals experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or airway obstruction. It also covers choking, drowning, and opioid emergencies. It is generally taught to healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses, EMTs, and lifeguards.
This procedure includes not just CPR but also techniques such as using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), team dynamics, and airway management using advanced techniques, such as bag-valve masks.
What is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that combines chest compressions and artificial ventilation to maintain circulation and oxygenation during cardiac arrest. It is designed to be performed by bystanders or people having no formal medical training until professional help arrives.
There are different levels of CPR training, ranging from hands-only CPR (for untrained individuals) to CPR with rescue breaths (for highly trained individuals). CPR training is typically tailored for the general public, teachers, security staff, and parents.
How are BLS and CPR Different?
Although BLS and CPR aim to sustain life during emergencies, they differ in scope, detail, and intended audience. Here's a side-by-side comparison:
| Aspect | Basic Life Support (BLS) | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) |
| Purpose | Advanced life-saving care that is performed by professionals | An immediate life-saving technique that can be performed by the general public. |
| Audience | Healthcare professionals, EMTs, lifeguards | Laypersons, parents, teachers, and security personnel |
| Training Duration | 4–6 hours with certification exams | 1–3 hours, depending on level |
| Skills Covered | CPR, AED use, airway management, team dynamics | Chest compressions, rescue breathing, AED (basic) |
| Setting | Clinical and emergency settings | Home, workplace and public spaces |
| Complexity | High – includes clinical procedures | Basic – focuses on immediate action |
| Recertification | Every 2 years (mandatory for professionals) | Optional but recommended every 2 years |
| Certification Issued | BLS Provider Card (AHA or Red Cross) | CPR Certification Card |
| Supervision | Typically performed under medical oversight | Usually administered independently by bystanders |
| Equipment Use | Includes bag-valve masks and advanced tools | Uses hands and mouth-to-mouth or an AED |
| Assessment | Detailed patient assessment included | Focus on identifying unresponsiveness and the absence of breath |
| Response Role | Prepares for coordinated, team-based professional response | Provides initial intervention until help arrives |
| Scenario Preparedness | Covers multiple emergencies beyond cardiac arrest | Primarily prepares for cardiac arrest |
| Oxygen Delivery | May include supplemental oxygen and airway devices | Relies on rescue breathing only |
| Legal Requirement | Often mandatory for clinical staff and first responders | Voluntary but encouraged for the general public |
Individuals interested in medical emergencies or first aid training should learn the difference between BLS and CPR. CPR is a fundamental skill anyone can acquire and is essential for managing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Meanwhile, BLS is the more advanced approach, intended for healthcare providers handling various emergencies.
Thus, if you are a healthcare worker or plan to enter the medical field, BLS is essential. Alternatively, if you are working in a non-medical field and want to help out people in the event of an emergency, availing a CPR course can be ideal.
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