Canadian Heart Association

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Basic Life Support (BLS)

Become the First Link in the Chain of Survival.

Gain the confidence and practical skills needed to recognize life-threatening emergencies, provide high-quality CPR, use an AED, and work effectively as part of a resuscitation team. Our instructor-led BLS programs prepare healthcare professionals to take action when every second counts.

Before advanced care arrives, before medications are given, before specialists take over, someone's actions must start the chain of survival. That person could be you.

Choose Your Learning Experience

  • Live Instructor-Led Education
  • Classroom & Blended Learning Options
  • Healthcare Provider Focused
  • Hands-On Skill Development
  • Nationally Recognized Certification
  • 100,000+ Healthcare Professionals Trained
  • Foundation of Emergency Care
  • Classroom & Blended Learning
  • Instructor-Led Skills Sessions

Trusted By Healthcare Professionals Across Canada

The Canadian Heart Association helps healthcare professionals build the confidence to recognize emergencies, provide CPR, and be the first link in the chain of survival.

Medical DoctorNurse PractitionerLicensed/Registered Practical NurseAdvanced Care ParamedicRegistered Respiratory TherapistRegistered Dental HygienistOther Medical ProfessionalRegistered Dental AssistantRegistered MidwifeCritical Care ParamedicPrimary Care ParamedicRegistered NurseDentist

Cardiac Arrest Can Happen Anywhere, At Any Time

Every year, thousands of Canadians experience sudden cardiac arrest. Survival often depends on the actions taken during the first few minutes before advanced care arrives.

You Want To Know Exactly What To Do When Someone's Life Is On The Line

Most people hope they'll never face a life-threatening emergency. Healthcare professionals know they eventually will. When that moment comes, you want the confidence to respond quickly, effectively, and without hesitation.

No One Should Lose Their Life Because Help Wasn't Prepared

Every patient deserves immediate, high-quality care during a cardiac or respiratory emergency. Healthcare professionals deserve training that prepares them to act decisively when every second matters.

Your Trusted Partner In Life-Saving Education

We understand that responding to a life-threatening emergency can be stressful, especially when every second matters and others are looking to you for help.

The Canadian Heart Association has helped healthcare professionals across Canada develop the skills and confidence needed to recognize emergencies, provide CPR, and support positive patient outcomes.

  • Be The Person Who Acts.
  • Start The Chain Of Survival.
  • Make Every Second Count.
100,000+
Healthcare Professionals Trained
1000+
Programs Delivered Annually
25+
Healthcare Disciplines Served
Coast To Coast
National Reach

Your Path To BLS Success

  1. 1

    Register

    Choose the BLS course date and location that fits your schedule.

  2. 2

    Learn

    Participate in instructor-led education focused on CPR, AED use, team dynamics, and emergency response.

  3. 3

    Respond

    Leave prepared to recognize emergencies and provide life-saving care when it matters most.

Be The Person Who Acts Before Advanced Care Arrives

Unlike ACLS, PALS, or NRP, BLS is not about leading a complex resuscitation team or managing specialized emergencies. It is about being ready when someone needs help now.

Before advanced care arrives, before medications are given, before specialists take over, someone's actions must start the chain of survival.

Our instructor-led BLS education builds the foundation of all emergency care—high-quality CPR, AED confidence, and the willingness to act. That person could be you.

What You'll Gain From BLS

High-Quality CPR Skills

Learn how to deliver effective chest compressions and ventilations.

AED Confidence

Understand when and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator.

Emergency Recognition

Identify cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, choking, and other life-threatening emergencies.

Team-Based Resuscitation

Work effectively within a resuscitation team and understand your role during an emergency response.

Faster Response Times

Develop the confidence to act quickly and appropriately.

Better Patient Outcomes

Support survival through early recognition and intervention.

This Program Is Ideal For

The Canadian Heart Association’s BLS Education programs are designed for healthcare professionals who may have to initiate or manage resuscitation events.

Physicians

Nurses

Respiratory Therapists

Dentists

Paramedics

Other healthcare professionals

Choose How You Learn

Classroom BLS

Participate in instructor-led learning with practical hands-on skill development. Face-to-face instruction Hands-on practice Immediate instructor feedback Collaborative learning environment

Blended Learning BLS

Complete online learning before attending an in-person skills session. Flexible scheduling Reduced classroom time Convenient learning experience Practical skill validation

Private Group Training

Customized BLS education for healthcare organizations and teams. Flexible scheduling Consistent organizational training Team-based learning Cost-effective group delivery

Trusted By Healthcare Professionals Across Canada

Canadian Heart Association

Our BLS programs help healthcare professionals develop essential life-saving skills and maintain certification requirements while building confidence and competence.

The Change You Can Expect

Before BLS

  • Unsure how to respond during an emergency
  • Limited CPR experience
  • Lack of confidence using an AED
  • Uncertainty working within a resuscitation team
  • Fear of making mistakes during critical events

After BLS

  • Greater confidence during emergencies
  • Strong CPR and AED skills
  • Improved emergency recognition abilities
  • Better team communication
  • Prepared to act when every second counts

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Adult, Child, & Infant Chain of Survival

  • Single-Rescuer & Multi-Rescuer Chest Compressions & Ventilations

  • High-quality Chest Compressions with a Feedback Device

  • Effective Ventilations using a Bag-Mask Device

  • Use of an Automated External Defibrillator

  • Understanding of Chest Compression Fraction

  • CPR with an Advanced Airway

  • Adult, Child and Infant CPR and relief of choking

  • Management of Opioid Associated Life-Threatening Emergencies

  • Maternal Cardiac Arrest Management

  • Anaphylaxis Management

  • Managing The Drowning Patient

  • Recognizing and Managing a Heart Attack

  • Recognizing and Managing a Heart Stroke;

During the Canadian Heart Association’s BLS program, you will be given access to an integrated online evaluation system. It is through the use of this system that you will be evaluated. Evaluation happens in real-time within the program. You can access the system using your smartphone. Using this interactive evaluation system, we can guarantee that you will successfully complete the program and earn your BLS Certificate.

BLS is designed for healthcare professionals and students who may be required to respond to cardiac, respiratory, or other life-threatening emergencies.

Yes. Both initial certification and renewal options are available.

Yes. All BLS skills sessions are led by experienced instructors.

Participants learn CPR, AED use, choking management, team dynamics, and emergency response principles.

Certification requirements may vary depending on employer and regulatory requirements.

Yes. Private group training is available throughout Canada.

When Every Second Counts, Preparation Matters

Cardiac and respiratory emergencies can happen without warning. Build the confidence and practical skills needed to respond quickly, support your team, and help save lives.

Organizations We Work With

Trusted by healthcare teams and partners across Canada.

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