The concept of Basic Life Support was created to address the increasing number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Basic Life Support training programs teach students how to manage cardiac and respiratory emergencies in the public, especially if the victim suddenly collapses without prior symptoms or warning. Because of the prevalent risk factors for cardiac disease in the Canadian population, there are a lot of training providers offering basic and advanced CPR training.
Basic Training at Grande Prairie First Aid
Grande Prairie First First Aid is one of the best providers in Canada. We have a variety of programs available, with Basic Life Support being the most popular. Our Basic Life Support program runs for a total of 4.5 hours over a single day. It has an accompanying BLS refresher class that runs shorter (for only 4 hours) for trainees with expired or near-expiry credentials.
Our Basic Life Support program trains health care providers in the management of out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary emergencies, specially in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We focus on the three basic skills in CPR – (1) chest compressions, (2) ventilations or rescue breaths, and (3) automated defibrillation. There is a counterpart of this BLS for HCPs (CPR Level C) course which is targeted towards laypersons or the general public – Basic Life Support (CPR Level A).
The course curriculum is an introduction to basic concepts used in managing cardiac emergencies. However, the focus is on out-of-hospital emergencies, meaning there is no access to medication or medical equipment. Some of the most important topics included in the program are:
- CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care guidelines (2010)
- Three basic CPR skills
- Recognition of cardiac and/or respiratory emergencies
- Choking management for adult and child victims
- Use of an automated defibrillator
Training Credentials from Grande Prairie First Aid
To receive a Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers training credential, you need to complete the entire program without missing a lesson or session. You also need to pass the set of certification exams after training – a written and a practical exam. The BLS credential is valid for three years before it expires.
Expired certificates cannot be renewed but trainees who have previously taken the BLS for HCPs class just have to take a refresher class to receive another certificate. They also have to pass another set of certification exams before we grant them another training credential.
Once you pass the exams, you will be immediately granted a temporary certificate; the permanent one will be mailed to you within the week.
Signing up for Basic CPR Training
Enrollment at Grande Prairie First Aid is really simple. The form below is an application form; no more need to download and fax or bring us your enrollment form in person. Just fill up the form below and click submit. We will receive your details immediately and process your application during the next business day.
Our contact details can also be found below. You can send us an e-mail with your inquiry, or give us a call during business hours. We are open from 8 AM to 5 PM, from Mondays to Fridays.