CPR / BLS
Whether you are a healthcare provider needing BLS certification for your job or a community member wanting the skills to save a life, AZ SkillCare provides high-quality, hands-on training.
- Approximately 3–4 hours / 1 day
- Upcoming Classes: View Schedule
CPR vs. BLS: What’s the difference?
Many people use the terms CPR and BLS interchangeably, but they serve different purposes and are intended for different audiences. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right training for your career, workplace requirements, or personal goals.
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- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): CPR is a fundamental, lifesaving skill used when someone experiences cardiac arrest. It includes chest compressions and, when appropriate, rescue breaths to help maintain blood flow and oxygen to vital organs until emergency medical assistance arrives. CPR training is suitable for the general public, including parents, teachers, coaches, caregivers, and community members.
- BLS (Basic Life Support): BLS is a more comprehensive, professional-level certification designed primarily for healthcare providers and first responders. It includes CPR while also covering team-based resuscitation, use of an automated external defibrillator, bag-mask ventilation, choking response, and more complex emergency scenarios commonly encountered in clinical settings.
CPR: The Skills That Saves Lives
What You Will Learn in a CPR Course
- How to perform high-quality chest compressions for adults, children, and infants.
- How to provide effective rescue breaths.
- How to safely use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
- How to recognize and assist an adult, child, or infant who is choking.
BLS: The Healthcare Standard
What You Will Learn in Our BLS Course
- High-Quality Chest Compressions: Learn the proper compression rate, depth, and technique for adults, children, and infants.
- Team Dynamics: Practice working effectively with other rescuers during a cardiac arrest emergency.
- Advanced Ventilation: Learn how to use a bag-valve-mask (BVM) device to provide effective rescue breathing.
- Clinical Emergency Scenarios: Develop practical skills for responding to respiratory distress, airway obstructions, and opioid-associated emergencies.
Which certification is right for you?
| Feature | CPR (Heartsaver) | BLS (Healthcare Provider) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | General public, parents, teachers, coaches, and caregivers | Nurses, CNAs, Med Techs, EMTs, and other healthcare professionals |
| Purpose | Provides essential lifesaving skills until professional help arrives | Provides comprehensive, professional-level care during cardiac and respiratory emergencies |
| Work Requirement | May be required for certain workplaces, schools, childcare roles, or community positions | Commonly required for healthcare employment and clinical training |
| Core Content | CPR, AED use, rescue breathing, and choking response | CPR, AED use, bag-valve-mask ventilation, team dynamics, and clinical emergency scenarios |
CPR (Heartsaver)
Target Audience: General public, parents, teachers, coaches, and caregivers
Purpose: Provides essential lifesaving skills until professional help arrives
Work Requirement: May be required for certain workplaces, schools, childcare roles, or community positions
Core Content: CPR, AED use, rescue breathing, and choking response
BLS (Healthcare Provider)
Target Audience: Nurses, CNAs, Med Techs, EMTs, and other healthcare professionals
Purpose: Provides comprehensive, professional-level care during cardiac and respiratory emergencies
Work Requirement: Commonly required for healthcare employment and clinical training
Core Content: CPR, AED use, bag-valve-mask ventilation, team dynamics, and clinical emergency scenarios
Frequently Asked Questions
AZ SkillCare offers the American Heart Association Heartsaver® CPR AED course. This course teaches participants how to perform CPR, use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and respond to choking emergencies. Heartsaver training is designed for people who need CPR and AED training for work, school, regulatory requirements, or personal preparedness.
AZ SkillCare offers the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider course. This course is designed for healthcare professionals, trained first responders, and students enrolled in healthcare-training programs. Participants learn high-quality CPR, AED use, ventilation, choking response, and effective teamwork during cardiac emergencies.
Yes. Heartsaver CPR AED and BLS Provider are separate American Heart Association courses. Select the course required by your employer, school, licensing organization, or personal training goal. Healthcare professionals and students should confirm the required course with their employer or training program before registering.
Contact us
Unit # 208
Port Charlotte, FL 33954
How to Apply?
- You Apply
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application tool only takes 10 minutes to complete.
- We Connect
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will contact you and will help you to complete the process.
- You Get Ready
Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to create your schedule.
APPLY
Ready to Choose Your CPR or BLS Class?
Review the upcoming class schedule and select the course that meets your personal, workplace, or healthcare training needs. Complete the registration form to reserve your seat. Contact AZ SkillCare if you need help deciding which course is right for you.
Questions? Call or text (941) 207-2869 or email info@azskillcare.com.