Prepare for BLS

How to Prepare for a BLS Course: A Practical Checklist

A BLS course does not need much preparation, but a little goes a long way — especially if you are renewing after two years without practice. This checklist covers the week before and the day itself.

The checklist

Read the BLS algorithm; finish HeartCode online work if applicable; sleep well; wear comfortable clothes you can kneel in; bring photo ID; arrive a few minutes early.

The week before

What to wear and bring

  • Comfortable clothes and shoes. You will kneel on the floor and lean over a manikin.
  • Photo ID matching the name you registered with.
  • Water. CPR practice is surprisingly tiring.

The skills that most often need extra practice

  • Compression depth — most people start too shallow.
  • Full recoil — leaning on the chest between compressions.
  • Long pauses for breaths or AED pads.
  • Infant technique — see BLS for infants and children.
  • Bag-mask seal — see bag-mask ventilation.

On the day

Arrive a few minutes early at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island. Tell the instructor about any injury. Then practise as much as you can — the test is easier when your hands already know the rhythm. The BLS exam guide explains exactly what is assessed.

If you are renewing

Experienced providers are often caught out by the details that changed or drifted since their last course: rescue breaths every 2 to 3 seconds for children and infants, the 15:2 ratio with two rescuers, and how short a good pulse check really is. Ten minutes with the pulse check guide and the renewal guide is worth it.

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

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear to a BLS course?

Comfortable clothes and shoes you can kneel in.

What should I bring?

Photo ID, your HeartCode certificate if applicable, and water.

Do I need to study before BLS?

It is not required, but reading the BLS algorithm helps, especially for renewals.

Can I bring my own pocket mask?

Training equipment is provided; you do not need to bring any.

What if I arrive late?

Contact us straight away. Late arrivals may need to move to another date.

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.