BLS Course Syllabus

BLS Course Syllabus: What the AHA BLS Course Covers

A BLS course is short, but it is tightly structured. The AHA BLS Provider syllabus moves from why early action matters, through the hands-on skills for adults, children and infants, to working as a team. This is the outline, topic by topic, with a link to the deeper guide for each.

The syllabus in one line

Chain of survival → adult CPR and AED → ventilation with a pocket mask and bag-mask → child and infant CPR → team resuscitation → choking relief → skills tests and written test.

The topics, in teaching order

  1. The chain of survival — why every minute without CPR and defibrillation matters, in and out of hospital. See the chain of survival explained.
  2. Scene safety and recognition — checking responsiveness, calling for help and a simultaneous breathing and pulse check.
  3. High-quality adult CPR — hand position, compression rate and depth, recoil and minimising pauses.
  4. The AED — turning it on, pad placement and resuming compressions after a shock. See using an AED in BLS.
  5. Ventilation — pocket mask and bag-mask ventilation, including two-person technique.
  6. Child and infant BLS — the differences in depth, technique and ratio. See BLS for infants and children.
  7. Two-rescuer and team CPR — two-rescuer BLS and high-performance team dynamics.
  8. Choking relief for all ages — see choking relief in BLS.

How the syllabus is assessed

You demonstrate adult CPR and AED use and infant CPR in skills tests, and you complete a short written test with an 84% pass mark. The BLS exam and skills test explains both, and BLS practice questions lets you check yourself.

What is not in BLS

Drugs, rhythm interpretation and advanced airways belong to ACLS and PALS. General first aid topics such as bleeding and burns belong to the first aid course.

Other life support and first aid courses: ACLS Course · PALS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar

Frequently asked questions

What topics are covered in a BLS course?

Chain of survival, recognition, high-quality adult CPR, AED use, pocket mask and bag-mask ventilation, child and infant CPR, team resuscitation and choking relief.

Does BLS include AED training?

Yes, AED use is taught and tested for adults, and covered for children and infants.

Does BLS cover drugs or ECG rhythms?

No. Those are part of ACLS and PALS.

Is the syllabus the same for HeartCode and classroom BLS?

Yes. The content and the skills tests are the same; only the way the theory is delivered differs.

Is there a written test?

Yes, a short multiple-choice test with an 84% pass mark, alongside the skills tests.

Book an AHA BLS course in Abu Dhabi

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.

See BLS dates and register BLS course overview Group booking enquiry

Sources and further reading

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.