Imagine you are at a BBQ with your family, and everyone is laughing. Suddenly, suddenly, the uncle falls to his knees clutching his chest. All of us look around, scared and uncertain. Do you think there is a cardiac event? Time is ticking away. In situations such as this, people certified in Basic Cardiac Life Support can be very useful. The training will give you the knowledge and skills to be able to take accurate decisions under urgent conditions, get the facts.
Why would someone decide to dive into BCLS? Many individuals from residents to doctors recognize its importance. Hospitals won’t bother looking at anyone who doesn’t possess the BCLS badge. It changes the lives of educators, coaches and parents who are not hospital personnel. This is more than a certificate. It’s lifeline.
Imagine being at your child’s soccer game and witnessing an unconscious child. Everyone is looking around, and you realize this is indeed your opportunity to shine. Everything starts clicking after completing the BCLS training. If you can check the patient’s responsiveness, begin chest compressions and master the use of an automated external defibrillator, then you are the hero.
BCLS training focuses on learning how to perform CPR and use an AED. You’ll have to practice chest compressions until you feel your arms are about to fall. You’ll also learn to breathe comfortably. Remember those dummies you used in your high-school health class? Now that the dummies have been returned, they must be preserved. All it takes is muscle memory to be able to react quickly and accurately when the seconds matter.
Many people find the technique liberating despite its scary-sounding name. The focus is not only on the technical aspect of CPR or using an AED but also on how to recognize signs before a serious emergency. Even a little knowledge can make a huge difference.
How about the actual course? While some prefer to do the BCLS online, it usually takes one day. The culmination for both is the practical skills test, which puts the newly learned information to test. It’s like a pop-quiz, only with dummies. Dropping the ball isn’t an option. Exam instructors are not afraid to raise the stakes. This accreditation is vital to saving lives.
Now let’s talk about the cost. The path towards BCLS certification is expensive but it’s worth every penny. Costs vary depending on organization, duration and qualifications of teachers. Some companies pay expenses as part of professional development programs. Free rides are always welcome.
It is important to maintain such skills. You should recertify every 2 years. Healthcare is a dynamic industry, where methods are constantly changing. You won’t be out-of-date if you keep up with the latest developments. This is more of a fuel for your superpower rather than a burden.
For those of you who may be unsure, let me tell you a short story. My friend Steve once saved the life of a stranger while he was having his morning coffee. Steve took control of the situation when a customer collapsed. Everyone else was in a state of panic. Steve did CPR immediately, and the patient was breathing by the time EMS arrived. Steve says he’s never felt such intense gratitude or an adrenaline rush.
Take advantage of the opportunity that BCLS offers. Not just you, but everyone around you can benefit from a BCLS certification. You’re suddenly someone who is able to make a real difference, rather than just another face among the masses. Who knows? Who knows?