Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Red Cross is designed for healthcare providers and public safety professionals and meets a variety of certification and licensing requirements.
Our BLS curriculum includes all standard scientific learning objectives necessary in professional resuscitation courses, but also allows students to develop their critical thinking, teamwork, and clinical decision-making skills, and work on reflection and debriefing, which serves to strengthen their overall learning and work experience. In addition, our courses are modular and flexible, and offer medical directors, educators and Red Cross training partners the ability to tailor courses to their local protocols, and their students' specific needs.
Ways to Train
- In-Person Classes: Designed for those who learn best in a traditional classroom setting, class participants attend lecture and skills sessions with other students in a designated physical location.
- Blended Learning: Created for those who need additional flexibility, our blended learning courses combine online presentations of "lecture" materials, with interactive scenarios that help improve clinical decision-making skills, and in-person skills sessions. Coursework is self-paced, can be personalized with our adaptive learning pre-assessments, and modular, so you can train on your schedule.
Note: The American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) course is designed to train healthcare professionals including nurses, physicians, EMS professionals, and other healthcare and public safety personnel to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children and infants. Content in this program is consistent with:
- The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) 2021 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science with Treatment Recommendations
- The American Red Cross Focused Updates and Guidelines 2020
- The BLS program content was updated to include policy statements, evidence reviews and guidelines from: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), American College of Surgeons (ACS), American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care (AHA ECC), Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC), Obstetric Life Support™ (OBLSTM), Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and the American, College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) and Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC).
Earn Your BLS Certificate
Sign up for a BLS course – and gain the skills you need to help your community and reach your career goals. From CPR administration and AED usage to critical thinking and problem solving, whether you choose an in-person only class or prefer a blended (online and in person) approach to learning, our best-in-class instructors will help you understand how to use the latest techniques in basic life support. To join our program, simply find a class in your area and complete the registration process.
FAQs
What is the difference between BLS vs. First Aid?
- Basic Life Support (BLS) is the foundation of resuscitation training for healthcare professionals including nurses, physicians, EMS professionals, and other healthcare and public safety personnel. BLS program content includes single-and multiple-responder CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automatic external defibrillator) use, as well as how to care for a patient who has an obstructed airway (choking).
- The Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED portfolio of courses has been the go-to program for thousands of businesses and training organizations for over a century. These programs are the foundation of safety training and our courses satisfy OSHA-mandated, workplace and other regulatory requirements.
BLS vs. CPR: What is the difference?
- When lives are on the line, it is critical that healthcare and professional responder staff have the skills and confidence to act in the moments that matter. Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) is meant for healthcare professionals and first responders. This comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum goes beyond a cardiac focus, making our programs unique and more robust. Red Cross BLS courses meet competency verification, education, credentialing and privileging requirements.
- CPR classes are the foundation of workplace safety training, giving immediate responders a mastery of lifesaving techniques and the confidence to act when moments matter, be the cardiac emergency be at home, at school or in their community.
Instructor Training
ACLS Instructor Update
The 2020 AHA Guidelines Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Instructor Update Course provides AHA Instructors updates on new science and key changes published in the 2020 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. Learn More
PEARS Instructor Update
The 2020 AHA Guidelines Pediatric Emergency Assessment Recognition and Stabilization (PEARS) Instructor Update Course provides AHA Instructors updates on new science and key changes published in the 2020 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. Learn More
PALS Instructor Update
The 2020 AHA Guidelines Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Instructor Update Course provides AHA Instructors updates on new science and key changes published in the 2020 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. Learn More
BLS Instructor Update
The 2020 AHA Guidelines Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor Update Course provides AHA Instructors updates on new science and key changes published in the 2020 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. Learn More
BLS Product and Course Orientation
The Basic Life Support (BLS) Product and Course Orientation (P&CO) is designed to help BLS Instructors understand the new, 2020 BLS Course design and teaching strategies, and to quickly get up to speed on the latest and most important updates to the BLS Course materials. Learn More
Heartsaver Instructor Update
The 2020 AHA Guidelines Heartsaver Instructor Update Course provides AHA Instructors updates on new science and key changes published in the 2020 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. Learn More
ACLS Product and Course Orientation
The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Product & Course Orientation (P&CO) is designed to help ACLS Instructors understand the new, 2020 ACLS Course design and teaching strategies, and to quickly get up to speed on the latest and most important updates to the ACLS Course materials. This orientation is available free of charge to Instructors through the AHA Instructor Network. Learn More
PALS Product and Course Orientation
The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Product & Course Orientation (P&CO) is designed to help PALS Instructors understand the new, 2020 PALS Course design and teaching strategies, and to quickly get up to speed on the latest and most important updates to the PALS Course materials. This orientation is available free of charge to Instructors through the AHA Instructor Network. Learn More
Heartsaver® Product and Course Orientation
The Heartsaver Product and Course Orientation (P&CO) is designed to help Heartsaver Instructors understand the new, 2020 Heartsaver Course design and teaching strategies, and to quickly get up to speed on the latest and most important updates to the Heartsaver Course materials. Learn More
PEARS Instructor Essentials Online (2015 Guidelines)
PEARS Instructor Essentials Online is the self-directed online portion of the PEARS Instructor Essentials Blended Learning Course. It covers the components of the instructor cycle, including Prepare, Teach, Test & Remediate, Close, and Keep Current. It includes core information about instructing AHA courses, followed by course-specific information. Learn More
Heartsaver
Heartsaver® Total - Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Online
Heartsaver® First Aid CPR AED Online is a self-directed course which provides students the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of first aid, CPR, and how to use an AED. Ideal for students who want the flexibility to complete the cognitive portion of the course at their own pace and location. The Heartsaver Total track is a comprehensive course designed for those requiring training to meet OSHA or other regulatory agency requirements. Learn More
Heartsaver® Basic - Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Online
Heartsaver® Basic – Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Online is a self-directed course path which provides students the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of first aid, CPR, and how to use an AED. Ideal for students who want the flexibility to complete the cognitive portion of the course at their own pace and location. The Heartsaver Basic course path is for those requiring training to meet employer job requirements or want to learn lifesaving skills. Heartsaver Basic – Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Online is NOT designed to meet OSHA or regulatory requirements. Learn More
Heartsaver® Pediatric First Aid CPR AED Online
Heartsaver® Pediatric First Aid CPR AED Online is a self-directed course which provides the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of first aid, CPR, and how to use an AED. The course is intended for those involved in childcare who must be prepared to respond to illnesses and injuries in a child or infant in the first few minutes until professional help arrives. Learn More
Heartsaver® CPR AED Online
Heartsaver® CPR AED Online is a self-directed course which provides the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of CPR and how to use an AED. Learn More
Heartsaver® Bloodborne Pathogens Online
This course teaches employees how to protect themselves and others from being exposed to blood or blood-containing materials. This course is designed to meet OSHA requirements for bloodborne pathogens training when paired with site-specific instruction. Learn More
IVE Heartsaver® First Aid Online
International English (IVE) materials have been adapted for training outside the United States and Canada. IVE training materials have been updated to include metric units of measure and other references that do not apply to students in the U.S. and Canada.
IVE Heartsaver® First Aid Online is a self-directed course which provides students the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of first aid. Learn More
IVE Heartsaver® CPR AED Online
International English (IVE) materials have been adapted for training outside the United States and Canada. IVE training materials have been updated to include metric units of measure and other references that do not apply to students in the U.S. and Canada.
IVE Heartsaver® CPR AED Online is a self-directed course which provides the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of CPR and how to use an AED. Learn More
IVE Heartsaver® First Aid CPR AED Online
International English (IVE) materials have been adapted for training outside the United States and Canada. IVE training materials have been updated to include metric units of measure and other references that do not apply to students in the U.S. and Canada.
IVE Heartsaver® First Aid CPR AED Online is a self-directed course which provides students the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of first aid, CPR, and how to use an AED. Ideal for students who want the flexibility to complete the cognitive portion of the course at their own pace and location. Learn More
Primeiros Socorros e RCP com DEA do Salva-Corações On-line
Primeiros Socorros e RCP com DEA do Salva-Corações On-line é um curso autodirigido que oferece aos alunos um treinamento da mais alta qualidade nas habilidades de salvamento com primeiros socorros, RCP e como usar um DEA. Ele é perfeito para os alunos que buscam flexibilidade para concluir a parte teórica do curso em seu próprio ritmo e local. Learn More
Curso de aprendizaje en línea Heartsaver® primeros auxilios, RCP y DEA
El curso de aprendizaje en línea Heartsaver® primeros auxilios, RCP y DEA es un curso de autoaprendizaje que les brinda a los estudiantes un entrenamiento de la mejor calidad en las habilidades para salvar vidas como los primeros auxilios, la RCP y el uso de un DEA. Es ideal para estudiantes que busquen flexibilidad para completar la parte cognitiva del curso a su propio ritmo y en cualquier lugar. Learn More
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Heartcode® ACLS Online
HeartCode® ACLS Online is a self-directed, comprehensive eLearning program that uses adaptive learning technology to allow learners to acquire and demonstrate Advanced Cardiac Life Support skills using a personalized learning path that adapts in real time to a learner’s performance. The program is designed for healthcare professionals who need Advanced Cardiac Life Support training for their clinical duties. HeartCode® ACLS Online consists of a cognitive portion that is completed online. A separate psychomotor skills assessment using voice assisted manikins with real-time audio and visual feedback or a skills assessment with an AHA Instructor is required to earn a valid AHA ACLS Provider eCard that is valid for two years. Learn More
ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment
The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Precourse Self-Assessment is an online tool that evaluates a student’s knowledge before the course to determine their proficiency and identify any need for additional review and practice in 3 sections: rhythm recognition, pharmacology, and practical application. Learn More
ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work
The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Precourse Self-Assessment evaluates a student’s knowledge before the course to evaluate proficiency and determine the need for additional review and practice. The ACLS Precourse Work involves a student reviewing course content through online videos before entering the classroom. The video lessons cover multiple medical subjects and each lesson includes questions to engage the student. Learn More
ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment, International English (IVE)
This course is intended for audiences outside of the U.S. The IVE Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Precourse Self-Assessment is an online tool that evaluates a student’s knowledge before the course to determine their proficiency and identify any need for additional review and practice in 3 sections: rhythm recognition, pharmacology, and practical application. Learn More
ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work, International English (IVE)
This course is intended for audiences outside of the U.S. The IVE Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Precourse Self-Assessment evaluates a student’s knowledge before the course to evaluate proficiency and determine the need for additional review and practice. The IVE ACLS Precourse Work involves a student reviewing course content through online videos before entering the classroom. The video lessons cover multiple medical subjects and each lesson includes questions to engage the student. Learn More
Autoevaluación previa al curso de SVCA: Spanish
La autoevaluación previa al curso de SVCA es una herramienta en línea que evalúa el conocimiento de los estudiantes antes del curso para determinar su competencia e identificar cualquier necesidad de una revisión y práctica adicional en 3 ámbitos: reconocimiento de ritmo, farmacología y aplicación práctica. Learn More
Autoavaliação pré-curso de SAVC – Portuguese-Brazil
A autoavaliação pré-curso de SAVC é uma ferramenta on-line que avalia o conhecimento prévio dos alunos para determinar sua proficiência e identificar qualquer necessidade de revisão e prática adicionais em 3 seções: reconhecimento do ritmo, farmacologia e aplicação prática. Learn More
Trabajo preliminar del curso de SVCA: Spanish
El trabajo preliminar del curso de SVCA consiste en que los estudiantes revisen el contenido del curso a través de videos en línea antes de ingresar a la sala de clases. Las lecciones en video abarcan varios temas médicos y cada lección incluye preguntas para motivar a los estudiantes. Learn More
Atividade pré-curso de SAVC – Portuguese-Brazil
A atividade pré-curso de SAVC compreende a revisão do conteúdo do curso pelos alunos através de vídeos on-line, antes de frequentar as aulas. As videoaulas abordam vários temas médicos e cada aula inclui perguntas para engajar os alunos. Learn More
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
HeartCode® PALS Online
HeartCode® PALS Online is a self-directed, comprehensive eLearning program that uses adaptive learning technology to allow learners to acquire and demonstrate Pediatric Advanced Life Support skills using a personalized learning path that adapts in real time to a learner’s performance. The program is designed for healthcare professionals who need Pediatric Advanced Life Support training for their clinical duties. HeartCode® PALS Online consists of a cognitive portion that is completed online. A separate psychomotor skills assessment using voice assisted manikins with real-time audio and visual feedback or a skills assessment with an AHA Instructor is required to earn a valid AHA PALS Provider eCard that is valid for two years. Learn More
PALS Precourse Self-Assessment
The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Precourse Self-Assessment is an online tool that evaluates a student’s knowledge before the course to determine their proficiency and identify any need for additional review and practice. Learn More
PALS Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work
The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Precourse Self-Assessment evaluates a student’s knowledge before the course to evaluate proficiency and determine the need for additional review and practice. The PALS Precourse Work involves a student reviewing course content through online videos before entering the classroom. The video lessons cover multiple medical subjects and each lesson includes questions to engage the student. Learn More
PALS Precourse Self-Assessment, International English (IVE)
This course is intended for audiences outside of the U.S. The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Precourse Self-Assessment is an online tool that evaluates a student’s knowledge before the course to determine their proficiency and identify any need for additional review and practice. Learn More
PALS Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work, International English (IVE)
This course is intended for audiences outside of the U.S. The IVE Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Precourse Self-Assessment evaluates a student’s knowledge before the course to evaluate proficiency and determine the need for additional review and practice. The IVE PALS Precourse Work involves a student reviewing course content through online videos before entering the classroom. The video lessons cover multiple medical subjects and each lesson includes questions to engage the student. Learn More
Autoevaluación previa al curso de SVAP: Spanish
La autoevaluación previa al curso de SVAP es una herramienta en línea que evalúa el conocimiento de un estudiante antes del curso para determinar su competencia e identificar cualquier necesidad de una revisión y práctica adicionales Learn More
Trabajo preliminar del curso de SVAP: Spanish
El trabajo preliminar del curso de SVAP consiste en que los estudiantes revisen el contenido del curso a través de videos en línea antes de ingresar a la sala de clases. Las lecciones en video abarcan varios temas médicos y cada lección incluye preguntas para motivar a los estudiantes. Learn More
Atividade pré-curso de SAVP - Portuguese
A atividade pré-curso de SAVP compreende a revisão do conteúdo do curso pelos alunos através de vídeos on-line, antes de frequentar as aulas. As videoaulas abordam vários temas médicos e cada aula inclui perguntas para engajar os alunos. Learn More
PALS 受講前作業 -日本語
PALS 受講前作業では，受講者が教室に入る前にオンラインビデオでコースの内容に目を通します。このビデオレッスンは複数の医学的題材をカバーし，各レッスンで受講者が積極的に取り組めるような質問が用意されています。
Learn More
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Heartcode® BLS Online
HeartCode® BLS Online is a self-directed, comprehensive eLearning program that uses adaptive learning technology to allow learners to acquire and demonstrate Basic Life Support skills using a personalized learning path that adapts in real time to a learner’s performance. The program is designed for healthcare professionals who need Basic Life Support training for their clinical duties. HeartCode® BLS Online consists of a cognitive portion that is completed online. Learn More
Opioid Training
Blood Pressure
Achieving Accuracy: BP Measurement
Achieving Accuracy: BP Measurement is an eLearning course designed by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association to help all healthcare professionals in the clinical setting measure blood pressure consistently and accurately every time Learn More
2020 AHA Guidelines
2020 AHA Guidelines Science In-Service
The 2020 AHA Guidelines Science In-Service (SiS) is an online course designed to provide healthcare providers information on new science and key changes published in the 2020 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC.
This interactive, self-paced, multidisciplinary course offers a full overview of resuscitation science changes impacting basic, advanced, and pediatric life support. Learn More
Scientific Sessions 2020 and ISC 2021
Scientific Sessions 2020 COVID-19 Bundle (FREE)
All COVID-19 content from Scientific Sessions 2020 Learn More
Includes the following courses with purchases:
Launching and Advancing Careers In the Age of the Pandemic, AHA COVID-19 Rapid
Response Research Consortium: Early Results, Latest Insights on COVID 19 and Cardiovascular Disease, Clinical and Public Health Impact of COVID-19 (International Focus), AHA Goes Viral: COVID-19, Influenza Vaccines, and Cardiovascular Disease, PVD Workshop 1: Vascular Implications of COVID-19, COVID-19: Their Personal Stories and Public Health and Prevention
Scientific Sessions 2020 Structural Racism Bundle (FREE)
All Structural Racism content from Scientific Sessions 2020 Learn More
Includes the following courses with purchases:
AHA COVID-19 Rapid Response Research Consortium: Early Results, Structural Racism as a Public Health Crisis (an American Heart Association and Association of
Black Cardiologists session), Racism in Medicine: What Medical Centers & Training Programs Can Do To Be Antiracist, How To Use Behavioral Interventions To Advance Equity in Cardiovascular Health, What Works: Evidence-Based Strategies to Reduce Disparities in Cardiovascular Care, Tailored Therapy for PAD Comorbidities
International Stroke Conference 2021 Cerebrovascular Manifestations of COVID-19 Bundle (FREE)
All COVID-19 content from International Stroke Conference 2021 Learn More
Includes the following courses with purchases:
Treatment of Acute Stroke in Patients with COVID-19: Case Studies,
Crisis Management and Disaster Preparedness in COVID-19, Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of COVID-19, COVID-19 and Stroke: An International Perspective, COVID-19 Debates: General Anesthesia vs Conscious Sedation? / Coagulopathy or Endotheliopathy?, Prevention of Stroke in COVID-19 Patients, Cerebrovascular Manifestations of COVID-19 Oral Abstracts
International Stroke Conference 2021 Structural Racism Bundle (FREE)
All Structural Racism content from International Stroke Conference 2021 Learn More
Includes the following courses with purchases:
Paola De Rango Memorial Session on Stroke in Women. The Association of Hormones with Stroke Risk Across Women of Different Ages and
Race-Ethnicities, Health Equity and Actionable Disparities in Stroke: Understanding and Problem-solving (HEADS-UP): A Glance at the Past and a Glimpse into the Future, HEADS-UP 1: “Worth the Work”: Partnering with the Community to Reduce Disparities, HEADS-UP 2: Community-based Clinical Trials Across the Continuum of Care, HEADS-UP 3: Public Outreach, Program Opportunities, and Pandemic Preparedness, Racing to Greater Life Expectancy by 2030: Is Racism a Tangible Target to Achieve
Cerebrovascular Health Equity?, Let's Talk About Race