Basic Life Support (BLS) is a critical requirement for healthcare professionals and students entering medical or dental programs. However, for those seeking their initial certification, there is often confusion between “BLS” and “CPR/AED.”
While both involve life-saving techniques, the official AHA (American Heart Association) BLS Provider course is specifically designed for the clinical environment. If you are not in the medical field, a standard CPR/AED class is likely what you need; but if you are a provider, BLS is the gold standard.
What Sets BLS Apart?
The BLS curriculum includes standard CPR and AED training but focuses heavily on high-performance team dynamics. In a medical or dental office, you aren’t just a bystander—you are part of a professional rescue team.
The AHA BLS Certification covers:
- CPR for all ages (infant, child, and adult).
- Individual and multi-rescuer team scenarios.
- Use of the Bag Valve Mask (BVM) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
- Foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for conscious and unconscious victims.
- Special resuscitation situations.
Beware of “Online-Only” Scams
Unfortunately, some companies use paid advertising to lure students with “instant” BLS certifications at a fraction of the price. If a course does not include a live, hands-on skills session with an AHA Instructor, it is a scam. These unaccredited organizations often publish outdated or inaccurate information that does not meet California’s strict healthcare requirements.
In California, healthcare professionals must renew their BLS certification every two years through an authorized American Heart Association Training Center or Site. While the Red Cross is a well respected organization, it is important to note that their BLS certification is often not accepted in many California hospitals and clinics.
The Modern Approach: AHA Blended Learning
The most efficient way to get certified today is through Blended Learning. This hybrid model consists of two parts:
- Online Component: Complete the cognitive portion through the AHA at your own pace.
- In-Person Skills Session: A one-hour hands-on session with a Revive CPR instructor.
This method is proven to be more effective for retention and saves you valuable time. You will leave the session with a legitimate AHA BLS provider card valid for two years.
A Note for Students: Why the Instructor Matters
For medical and dental students, your first few certifications are the most important. While some locations use Voice Assisted Manikins (VAMs) for testing, these are often ineffective for initial learners because they cannot answer questions or correct your form in real-time.
To avoid frustration and ensure you are truly proficient, we recommend learning from a live instructor who can provide the nuance and feedback a machine cannot.
Advertising from some companies in San Francisco is very misleading: where they claim to offer CPR and BLS classes, but when you get there you will only find a VAM
No Instructors are availabe- just Customer service agents by phone:
Saftey Training Seminars
Heartstart
Questions & Answers
- Are your classes led by a live instructor or a computer?”
- “Every class at Revive CPR is taught by a live, AHA-certified instructor. We believe personal coaching is the most effective way to learn life-saving skills.”
Do saftey training seminars and Heartstart offer CPR classes?
No, there are no instructors present. Just voice assisted manikins.
Does safety training seminar offer BLS classes?
No, just voice assisted manikins.
Does safety training seminars offer refunds?
No refunds.
Does safety training seminars charge you to reschedule?
Yes. $30 fee
Is safety training seminars owned by a woman?
This “woman owned” statement by STS in advertisements is deceiving the public’s trust. STS may be owned on paper by a woman, but therein lies the disception. The company is jointly run, and operated by Charles and Laura Siegel. Charles is the founder of the company, and can be heard in all of the YouTube videos of the VAM offices he is personally opening with instructions on how to get inside.
Save on Your Next Class
Revive CPR has been a trusted provider of high-quality BLS training in San Francisco for over 14 years. We are currently offering an $8 discount for medical and dental students.
- Promo Code:
Revive25 - Register at: www.ReviveCPR.com
Revive CPR 148 Townsend St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
Roy Gordon, AHA BLS Instructor / EMT
Imagine going to a safety training seminar and when you arrive there is no one there?
