Physical therapists are an important part of the healthcare industry. Their day-to-day lives deal with injured patients or people who are in a lot of pain. This is why they have to be prepared to face medical emergencies. That’s where basic life support (BLS) certification comes in. BLS teaches you how to help someone who isn’t breathing or whose heart has stopped. Did you know that BLS skills decline as soon as 3 months after training? Read on to learn more about physical therapy BLS.
Why Physical Therapists Need BLS Certification
Physical therapists work with all kinds of people. Some patients might be old or sick. Others might have heart problems or breathing issues. Sometimes, a patient could have an emergency during therapy. That’s why physical therapists need to know what to do in these situations.
Here are some reasons why as a physical therapist BLS certification is important:
- Safety first: Patients trust physical therapists with their health. Knowing BLS helps keep patients safe.
- Quick action: In an emergency, every second counts. BLS training teaches you to act fast.
- Legal requirement: Many places require physical therapists to have BLS certification.
- Professional growth: Having BLS skills makes you a better healthcare worker.
- Peace of mind: Knowing BLS can make you feel more confident at work.
What Is Taught in BLS Certification?
BLS certification teaches you many important skills. As a physical therapist enrolling in BLS, you will learn-
- CPR for adults, children, and babies: You’ll learn how to do CPR and rescue breaths.
- How to use an AED: An AED is a machine that can restart a heart. When you enroll in the BLS course, you will also learn the use of AEDs.
- How to help someone who’s choking: You’ll learn the Heimlich maneuver for adults and children.
- How to work as a team: In emergencies, teamwork is key. You’ll practice working with others.
- How to recognize emergencies: You’ll learn the signs of heart attacks, strokes, and other problems.
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How to Get BLS Certified?
Getting BLS certified is not hard. Here are the steps:
- Find a course: Look for BLS courses near you. Many hospitals, fire stations, and community centers offer them.
- Sign up: Choose a date and time that works for you. Most courses take about 4-5 hours.
- Study: You might get some materials to read before the course. This helps you prepare.
- Attend the class: You’ll learn from an instructor and practice on mannequins.
- Pass the test: At the end of the course, you’ll take a test.
- Get your card: If you pass, you’ll get a physical therapist BLS certification card. It’s usually good for two years.
How Does BLS Certification Help in Physical Therapy Practice?
Having a BLS physical therapist can perform better at his work. From being more skilled in helping your patients to having more opportunities, BLS certification can help you in many ways-
- Better patient care: You’ll be ready to help if a patient has an emergency.
- More job opportunities: Many employers prefer or require BLS certification.
- Legal protection: Having up-to-date certification can protect you if something goes wrong.
- Confidence: Knowing BLS can make you feel more sure of yourself at work.
- Teaching others: You can share your knowledge with coworkers and patients.
What Are Some Common Scenarios for BLS in Physical Therapy?
As a physical therapist, you might use your BLS skills in different situations. Here are some examples:
- Cardiac events: A patient with heart problems might have chest pain or collapse during therapy.
- Breathing problems: A patient with lung disease might have trouble breathing during exercise.
- Falls: Older patients or those with balance issues might fall and hurt themselves.
- Allergic reactions: A patient might have an allergic reaction to something in the clinic.
- Choking: A patient might choke on water or food during therapy.
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How to succeed in BLS Certification?
Here are some tips to help you do well in your BLS certification:
- Pay attention in class: The instructor will share important information.
- Practice: As you practice BLS skills, you will hone them even more.
- Ask questions: When going through the BLS course, ask questions and clear your doubts.
- Stay calm: During practice scenarios, try to stay calm. This will help in real emergencies too.
- Review regularly: Even after you’re certified, review your skills often.
Conclusion
BLS certification is a must-have for physical therapists. It teaches you how to handle emergencies and save lives. The skills you learn in physical therapy BLS can make a big difference for your patients. If you’re a physical therapist or thinking about becoming one, make sure to get your BLS certification. It’s an important part of giving the best care to your patients.
