Cardiac arrest is a serious condition that happens when the heart stops beating. It can cause death in minutes if not treated right away. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can help and might save the life of the victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Although, sometimes CPR is not enough to save a life in some scenarios. Some people may need more advanced care, such as medications, defibrillation, or airway management. This is where ACLS, BLS, and PALS come into the picture. In this blog, you’ll understand the basic differences between ACLS, BLS, PALS, and CPR.
These are three types of courses for healthcare professionals that teach you how to save lives in different situations. American HealthCare Academy offers the most advanced online ACLS, BLS, and PALS courses for healthcare professionals and non-medical individuals that’ll prepare them to handle emergencies effectively. While ACLS and PALS are specialized courses, anyone who wants to learn lifesaving skills can enroll in our BLS certification course. The validity of these three courses is two years after which you can renew them with us. Connect with us today at 1-888-277-7865.
Complete guide on ACLS, BLS, and PALS along with their differences
What are ACLS, BLS, and PALS, and who needs them?
ACLS stands for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. ACLS is for doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare providers who work in hospitals or emergency settings. It is a course that teaches healthcare professionals how to treat cardiac arrest and other life-threatening heart problems. ACLS covers topics such as:
- rhythm recognition
- drug administration
- electrical therapy
- team dynamics
Basic Life Support (BLS) skills are for anyone who wants to learn CPR and AED skills for adults, children, and infants. The course teaches healthcare professionals and lay rescuers how to perform high-quality CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). BLS also covers topics such as:
- choking relief
- opioid overdose response
- team communication
for anyone who wants to learn CPR and AED skills for adults, children, and infants. It is a course that teaches healthcare professionals and lay rescuers how to perform high-quality CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). BLS also covers topics such as:
- choking relief
- opioid overdose response
- team communication
PALS stands for Pediatric Advanced Life Support. PALS is for doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare providers who work with children or infants. It is a course that teaches healthcare professionals how to treat cardiac arrest and other emergencies in children and infants. PALS covers topics such as:
- pediatric assessment
- respiratory management
- shock treatment
- team coordination
Differences between ACLS, BLS, PALS, and CPR
Basic CPR is a skill that anyone can learn to help save a life in an emergency. It does not require any special education, equipment, or training. However, basic CPR may not be enough for some people who need more advanced care.
ACLS, BLS, and PALS are different from basic CPR in a few ways. Let us explain in simple words:
- ACLS: ACLS is a more advanced level of care provided by healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses. ACLS includes additional techniques beyond basic CPR. These techniques involve using specialized equipment, such as defibrillators, to deliver electric shocks to the heart, administering medications, and performing advanced airway management.
- BLS: BLS is similar to basic CPR but is typically performed by trained individuals like first responders, lifeguards, or laypeople. BLS includes basic CPR skills, but it also involves using automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and providing basic airway management, such as clearing the person’s airway if it is blocked.
- PALS: PALS focuses specifically on providing advanced care to infants and children who are experiencing life-threatening emergencies. PALS covers similar techniques as ACLS but is tailored to the unique needs and physiology of young patients. It includes specific guidelines for resuscitation, medication dosages, and equipment use in pediatric cases.
How to get ACLS, BLS, and PALS certification online?
If you want to get certified in ACLS, BLS, or PALS online, American HealthCare Academy offers online courses that meet industry and regulatory standards. Our ACLS and PALS certifications are best suited for healthcare service providers who have packed schedules and they can’t accommodate regular classroom courses in their hectic work routines. If you are a non-medical individual then our BLS CPR course will fit into your schedule without shuffling your day-to-day activities or taking help from someone to look after your children or pets.
Our online modules allow you to learn at your speed, accessibility, and suitability through interactive videos, quizzes, and simulations. You can access them anytime and anywhere with an uninterrupted internet connection.
All our courses are free to learn. Once you complete online theory and simulations successfully, you will receive your certification card by email within 24 hours. We’ll also send you an in-wallet card by post. If you require a formal certificate, all you have to do is pay the fee and download your certificate instantly.
Conclusion
ACLS, BLS, and PALS are important courses that can help you save lives in different situations. They are different from basic CPR in terms of skills, knowledge, certification requirements, and target populations. If you want to get certified online in any of these courses, American HealthCare Academy is the right choice!
