PLEASE NOTE, YOU MUST HOLD A CURRENT AHA BLS CERTIFICATE TO TAKE THIS INSTRUCTOR COURSE.  IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE, OAMI CAN PROVIDE TRAINING FOR YOUR BLS CERTIFICATION PRIOR TO THE INSTRUCTOR CLASS.  

The American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor Course is designed to prepare healthcare professionals to become certified instructors who can effectively teach BLS skills to others. This comprehensive program equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to deliver high-quality BLS training in accordance with AHA guidelines. Through interactive instruction, hands-on practice, and assessment, participants will gain the confidence and competence to lead BLS courses for healthcare providers, lay rescuers, and other individuals requiring CPR and emergency cardiovascular care education.

Course Objectives:

1. Instructor Preparation: Understand the roles and responsibilities of a BLS instructor, including teaching methodologies, class organization, and effective communication techniques for delivering engaging and informative instruction.

2. AHA Guidelines Overview: Review current AHA BLS guidelines, including updates in CPR techniques, rescue breathing, chest compressions, AED use, and the Chain of Survival, ensuring instructors are knowledgeable of the latest evidence-based practices.

3. Skills Practice and Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in performing BLS skills, including high-quality chest compressions, proper ventilation techniques, use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and team dynamics during resuscitation efforts.

4. Course Management: Learn how to effectively manage BLS courses, including scheduling, registration, equipment setup, and administration of written and skills assessments to ensure participant competency.

5. Feedback and Evaluation: Develop skills for providing constructive feedback and evaluation to course participants, fostering skill improvement and confidence in performing BLS interventions.

6. Classroom Facilitation: Practice delivering BLS instruction in a classroom setting, including lecture presentations, hands-on skills practice sessions, and interactive learning activities to engage participants and reinforce learning objectives.

7. Teaching Methodologies: Explore a variety of teaching methodologies and instructional techniques for catering to diverse learning styles, including visual aids, demonstrations, group discussions, and scenario-based simulations.

8. Quality Assurance: Understand the importance of maintaining quality assurance in BLS instruction, including adherence to AHA guidelines, monitoring participant performance, and continuous improvement of teaching practices.

Target Audience:

• Healthcare professionals (e.g., nurses, physicians, paramedics)
• CPR and BLS instructors seeking certification renewal
• Healthcare educators and trainers
• Individuals interested in becoming certified BLS instructors

Prerequisites:

• Current BLS Provider certification
• Completion of the AHA BLS Instructor Essentials Online Course (included in the instructor package)

Duration: The BLS Instructor Course typically spans one to two days, depending on the specific requirements of the training center and the number of participants.

Outcome: Participants who successfully complete the BLS Instructor Course will receive certification from the American Heart Association, authorizing them to teach BLS courses to healthcare providers and lay rescuers. By becoming certified instructors, participants play a crucial role in expanding the reach of BLS education and improving outcomes for cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies in their communities.