what is the difference between acls and bls
Paramedics must often perform ACLS or PALS while still on the scene of an accident before they can transfer a critically injured patient. ACLS is a protocol for handling patients who are experiencing cardiac arrest. Advanced cardiovascular life support may be administered to a patient who has no discernible pulse.
Often basic life support level care includes things outside the scope of a CPR class like oxygen administration, bleeding control, and splinting. Advanced Life Support care refers to more complex and invasive things like intravenous medications, breathing tubes, and cardiac monitoring. In the context of a CPR class, denoting that the class is âBLSâ typically means it is designed for professional rescuers like paramedics, nurses, lifeguards, etc. Most people who just want the knowledge of CPR will be well served by taking a âlay rescuerâ, ânon-professional rescuerâ, or âcommunityâ level class.