BLS vs Heartsaver
The American Heart Association has two families of CPR course: BLS for healthcare providers and Heartsaver for everyone else. A BLS course adds the professional skills a clinical team uses; Heartsaver keeps CPR simple for lay rescuers.
The short answer
Clinical role (nurse, doctor, dentist, paramedic, pharmacist, allied health or student): BLS. Anyone else, such as teachers, security, office staff or parents: Heartsaver CPR AED or Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED.
| BLS | Heartsaver CPR AED | |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | Healthcare providers | Lay rescuers |
| Pulse check | Yes | No, check for breathing only |
| Bag-mask ventilation | Yes | No |
| Two-rescuer and team CPR | Yes | Basic |
| Child and infant CPR | Yes | Optional modules |
| Card | BLS Provider, 2 years | Heartsaver completion card, 2 years |
Healthcare employers expect the professional skills: pulse checks, bag-mask ventilation and two-rescuer CPR. A Heartsaver card usually does not meet a clinical requirement.
For non-clinical staff, Heartsaver is shorter and focused. If you may face other emergencies too, the first aid course adds bleeding, burns and allergic reactions. See CPR AED vs first aid and BLS vs CPR.
When in doubt, ask the person who asked you for the certificate which course they mean. A job description that says “BLS” or “healthcare provider CPR” means BLS; one that says “CPR and AED” or “first aider” usually means Heartsaver.
Other life support and first aid courses: ACLS Course · PALS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar
No. Heartsaver is for lay rescuers; BLS is the healthcare provider course.
BLS.
Heartsaver, usually the pediatric first aid version for schools.
Yes, Heartsaver CPR AED includes AED use.
For CPR, BLS covers more. It does not cover first aid topics.
Heartsaver CPR AED is usually shorter because it leaves out the professional skills such as pulse checks, bag-mask ventilation and team CPR. Session times are shown on each course page.
Yes. BLS gives the AHA BLS Provider eCard and Heartsaver gives a Heartsaver course completion card, both valid for two years and both verifiable online.
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
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.