AHA BLS CPR Instructor Course

The American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR Instructor Course is a comprehensive program designed for healthcare professionals and experienced rescuers who wish to become certified instructors, qualified to teach BLS and CPR to others. This course equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively educate others on the techniques of life support, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and automated external defibrillator (AED) use.

Key components of the AHA BLS CPR Instructor Course include:

1. Core BLS Skills: The course reinforces and enhances the participant's understanding and proficiency in BLS techniques, including adult and pediatric CPR, AED use, and the management of choking victims.

2. Instructional Methodology: Participants learn how to effectively teach BLS principles and techniques using AHA-approved materials and methods. This includes classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and using teaching aids.

3. Course Planning: The course covers how to plan and structure BLS courses, including lesson plans, scheduling, and adapting content to the needs of various audiences.

4. Assessment and Evaluation: Instructor candidates learn how to evaluate participants' skills during practice and provide constructive feedback for improvement.

5. AHA Guidelines: The curriculum aligns with the most current AHA guidelines, ensuring that instructors can teach in accordance with the latest evidence-based practices.

6. Legal and Ethical Considerations: The course touches on legal and ethical considerations related to teaching BLS, including issues of consent and Good Samaritan laws.

7. Hands-On Teaching: Instructor candidates practice teaching BLS skills, allowing them to refine their instructional abilities.

Upon successful completion of the AHA BLS CPR Instructor Course, individuals become certified AHA BLS Instructors, eligible to teach BLS courses to healthcare providers and lay rescuers. Instructors play a crucial role in ensuring that others are trained in life-saving techniques, enhancing community preparedness for cardiac emergencies.

AHA BLS CPR Instructors are responsible for teaching the fundamentals of BLS, which can have a significant impact on improving survival rates and reducing morbidity during cardiac emergencies. They contribute to building a cadre of individuals trained to provide immediate care and initiate the chain of survival, ultimately saving lives in critical situations.

NEXT STEPS FOR BECOMING AN INSTRUCTOR

Following successful completion of the Instructor Essentials Course, candidates will be monitored by Faculty teaching their first course the same day and completing the classroom portion. Upon successful completion of all steps, candidates receive an Instructor card, valid for two years.