The term ‘BLS’ on the certificates issued by the AHA.
“In a note dated December 5, 2014, the AHA specified the following:”
“To Whom It May Concern:
The American Heart Association’s BLS for Healthcare Providers course is a standardized course that follows the same learning objectives and testing requirements
worldwide. One of the learning objectives in the BLS for Healthcare Providers course is to initiate early use of an AED for adults, children, and infants.
Students in all AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers courses are taught AED use, both cognitive and psychomotor aspects, and practice use of an AED trainer within the BLS
sequence. In addition, proper and safe use of an AED is tested, both as part of the written test and as part of the practical test.
The BLS for Healthcare Providers course completion card does not specifically indicate defibrillation training on it, but there is no version of the course that does not contain
training and testing on AED use.”
So all AHA courses follow international guidelines, such as the Resuscitation Council, showing the use of AED, CPR, Choking Maneuvers, etc.
In Europe, for decades, two primary educational currents have been followed: the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council (from which derivations like UKRC, IRC, etc., originate), both governed by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR).
While in the past, many countries prioritized ERC, currently, a significant number of countries adhere to the American Heart Association due to its innovative teaching methodologies, the quality of informational materials, state-of-the-art manikins, and its commitment to providing equitable learning opportunities for individuals with disabilities or various medical conditions.
What are the differences between AHA and RC?
The main differences between the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Resuscitation Council (RC) primarily involve educational approaches and specific guidelines.
1. Educational Approach:
– AHA: Focuses on using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques based on chest compressions and early defibrillation. The AHA promotes a hands-on approach to training, often offering courses that include practical sessions with manikins to simulate emergency situations.
– RC: The RC also adopts a hands-on approach to training, but its guidelines may differ slightly from those of the AHA. The RC might place more emphasis on particular resuscitation protocols or procedures.
2. Specific Guidelines:
– AHA: The AHA guidelines are widely recognized and followed in many countries around the world. These guidelines are frequently updated to reflect the latest scientific evidence and best practices in resuscitation.
– RC: Similar to the AHA, the Resuscitation Council issues specific guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency procedures. However, these guidelines may vary slightly from those of the AHA, perhaps reflecting regional differences or specific methodological approaches.
In summary, both the AHA and the RC are leading bodies in the field of CPR and emergency procedures, but they may present slight differences in their educational approaches and specific guidelines.