Emergencies are inevitable. Life-threatening situations can occur anytime and anywhere. Hence, learning Basic Lifesaving (BLS) skills is the best option for responding effectively when saving lives. While Advanced Lifesaving (ALS) training is crucial for healthcare professionals, BLS is favorable for untrained individuals.
However, medical professionals often find it challenging to take ALS training. According to a survey, 43% of nurses reported that their overtime has increased over the past years.
Fortunately, online BLS certification now allows them to renew their credentials without the hassle of attending physical classes. In this blog, we will explore the online BLS certification course, how it works, and its pros and cons in detail.
What is BLS Training?
BLS training is a life-saving process designed for both healthcare professionals and anyone who wants to learn life-supporting skills like CPR. It primarily empowers medical professionals by imparting knowledge of the latest life-saving protocols.
The BLS training aims to teach people how to identify emergencies like cardiac arrest and use life-saving tools like CPR and AED. These tools allow blood and oxygen to flow to the brain temporarily until medical help arrives. Some of the common life-saving skills taught in BLS certification include:
- CPR algorithms
- The significance of using automated external defibrillators (AED)
- Responding to choked adults, infants, and children
- Responding in teams during multi-rescuer resuscitation
Though online BLS certification is a relatively new idea among medical professionals, it is gaining ground due to the ease of attending classes. Let us understand how these online BLS training programs work.
How Does Online BLS Certification Work?
A quality online BLS certification program typically includes recorded video lectures conducted by seasoned and passionate instructors. It also includes practice questions to ensure comprehensive learning. The program should contain study materials and topic tests to assess your knowledge along the way.
It includes a downloadable student manual that you can access anytime, even after the course ends. Most importantly, a certification test in MCQ format is necessary for skill evaluation. Once you complete the course, you receive a digital certification card immediately.
Pros of Online BLS Training Certification
Providing medical assistance at the time of emergency is a community service. Hence, it can be successfully achieved by taking online BLS training. It also paves the way for a wide spectrum of benefits, such as:
Convenience
Online BLS certification training allows you to participate from the comfort of your home. You can easily schedule your classes at your convenience and access study materials and learning modules even without an internet connection. This self-paced learning enables you to retake quizzes and review modules until you’re comfortable with the content.
Immediate Feedback
Many online training platforms provide instant feedback on assignments, quizzes, and practical assessments. This helps you identify your weak areas and address them immediately, facilitating comprehensive and effective learning.
The common advantages of an online BLS certification program under an immediate feedback system include the following:
- Clarifying misunderstandings
- Identifying areas of improvement
- Reinforcing knowledge
- Building confidence
- Enhancing skill mastery
Cost-effective
Online BLS courses are generally more cost-effective than traditional classes. By eliminating travel, accommodation, and venue expenses, the online class becomes much cheaper.
Moreover, self-paced learning ensures you don’t compromise on working hours. The online BLS course not only provides easy access to training but also keeps you informed about the latest guidelines of BLS procedures.
Better Networking
Online BLS certification programs offer a dynamic learning atmosphere. You get a wide network where you can share ideas with peers, instructors, and intellectuals. Online platforms are great for attending webinars and participating in forum discussions. Hence, learners create a positive learning environment and foster professional relationships beyond space limitations.
Cons of Online BLS Training
While online BLS training is cost-effective and accessible, certain hospitals do not allow it for recertification. These online courses create ambiguity when it comes to accreditation and validity. No wonder! Along with several advantages of online BLS training, there are certain disadvantages, such as:
- Online BLS certification programs offer limited opportunities for hands-on practice and lack the real-time learning experience necessary for learners to demonstrate course learning effectively.
- Learners often find it difficult to ask questions due to the lack of interaction with teachers. This results in missing out on personalized, real-time feedback from experienced professionals.
- Online BLS courses require an internet connection. However, technical issues like software glitches and internet outages can affect course progress.
- Online BLS certification lacks physical interaction with instructors and peers, limiting learners’ development of interpersonal skills even after completing the course.
Wrapping Up
Online BLS certification is a stepping stone to acquiring skilled emergency response and medical care. Even if you are not a healthcare professional, BLS training is a vital skill for saving lives. The courses offer flexibility, convenience, and networking without burning your pocket. Additionally, it allows you to take the test from the comfort of your home and earn certification immediately.
However, some people struggle to stay effective due to a lack of classroom competition, often losing focus and failing to complete the course. Therefore, consider both the pros and cons before enrolling in the courses. With the right skills and desire to give service to the community, you can become a certified lifesaver today!