Basic Life Support (BLS) skills allow healthcare providers, students, public safety personnel and others with a duty to respond to provide assistance to someone during a health crisis. The Red Cross Store offers the American Red Cross Basic Life Support Participant's Manual for purchase (formerly known as the BLS Provider Handbook). Throughout this manual, you'll find emergency care procedures outlined in detail. This not only helps you fully understand how to support someone in need, but can also help keep the steps for proper care fresh in your mind even after your certification is complete.
Because real-life situations can be complicated – with multiple persons in need and multiple symptoms to treat – the American Red Cross Basic Life Support Participant's Manual reflects actual emergency response scenarios. This way, you can learn how to prioritize care even before treating your first patient. To begin your BLS training, simply find a BLS class near you and complete the online enrollment process.