BLS for Beginners
If you have never done a BLS course before, you are in good company — students, newly qualified nurses and people changing careers make up a large share of our first-time learners. Nobody expects you to know anything on arrival. Here is what the first time is like.
For first-timers
Choose classroom BLS for your first certification, arrive a few minutes early, expect most of the time to be hands-on practice, and do not worry about the test — everything on it is taught during the course.
We recommend classroom BLS for a first certification. You get more time with the instructor and more practice before you are tested. HeartCode works well once you know the skills.
A short introduction, then a cycle of watch-then-practise for each skill: recognising an arrest, compressions, breaths, the AED, infant CPR, working in pairs and choking relief. The manikins give you feedback on depth and rate, so you can see yourself improving. The BLS syllabus lists every topic.
It is physically tiring rather than intellectually hard. Two minutes of good compressions is more work than it looks. The written test covers what you are taught, with an 84% pass mark — see the BLS exam. If a part is not passed first time, you are coached and retested.
Other life support and first aid courses: ACLS Course · PALS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar
Yes. No prior knowledge is needed.
Most people pass first time. It is physically tiring, and the test covers what is taught.
Classroom BLS gives beginners more instructor time and practice.
The instructor coaches you on the weak point and retests you.
Not required, but reading the BLS algorithm once helps.
Safety First Medical Services is an American Heart Association training centre on Al Reem Island. Classroom BLS, HeartCode blended BLS and on-site group BLS training, with a two-year AHA BLS Provider eCard on completion.
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What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.
Last reviewed by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.