Certification in basic life support (BLS) typically indicates that you have received training and can provide care during cardiac and respiratory emergencies, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and more, in a variety of settings. If your BLS certification is nearing its expiration date, there are steps you must take to renew your certification quickly.
This guide helps you understand why your certificate must be up-to-date, how long your BLS certificate lasts, and what steps you can take when it expires.
Why is it Necessary to have the Latest BLS Certification?
The BLS certificate guarantees that you have adequate knowledge and skills to manage emergency medical situations. Since healthcare practices evolve, frequent renewal of BLS certifications is the right approach when delivering quality patient care. If you allow your certification to lapse, you may not be able to perform CPR, which can endanger the lives of critical patients.
An expired certification may also result in legal repercussions, loss of job prospects, and restricted professional growth in the healthcare sector. Thus, you must renew the BLS certification to prove your competency, professionalism, and readiness to provide proper and timely emergency care.
How Long Does Your BLS Certificate Last?
A BLS certification typically lasts for two years from the date of issuance. After this period, you must complete a renewal course to maintain your certification.
The renewal process ensures that BLS providers stay current with the latest guidelines and techniques, as the recommendations for CPR and emergency cardiovascular care can change based on new research and updates from organizations.
Steps to Follow When Your BLS Certificate is About to Expire
Now that you know how long your BLS certificate lasts, you should know when and how to renew it. When your card is about to lapse, you must follow a procedure to maintain your certification. Here is what to do when your certificate is about to expire.
Check Expiration Date
First, determine the validity period of your BLS certification. The expiration date is usually provided on your certificate or in any other papers you received when you got your card. You should be aware of this date to avoid a lapse in the certification because you might be unable to help in emergencies. It is always advisable to keep track of when the certification was issued. Doing so lets you know when to renew it. So you will be ready to administer CPR in an emergency.
Research Renewal Options
When you have ascertained your certificate’s expiration date, the next step is determining the renewal procedures. You can renew your BLS certification in various ways, such as online renewal classes.
Studying these options will help you choose the most suitable renewal option based on your schedule, budget, and learning style. Checking various renewal options will also help you understand which type of classroom you prefer, from traditional classroom settings to online learning.
Schedule Renewal Program
After investigating renewal possibilities, schedule a renewal course. Depending on the type of renewal you select, you may need to take a course to renew your BLS certification. Some things to look for when booking a renewal course are course length, location, and the number of instructors available.
Thus, you can ensure that when your certification lapses, you have enrolled in a renewal course you like.
Complete the Renewal Course
After choosing the renewal course, you must actively participate and complete it to renew your certification.
This includes active involvement in the class content, completing practical assignments, and seeking clarification where necessary. A BLS certification update is more than a routine procedure. It is a way to refresh and improve your knowledge, which is crucial to saving lives.
Update Your Certification
The final step is to update the certification. This entails documenting course completion, passing a renewal test, and paying a renewal fee. Remember to adhere strictly to the guidelines the certifying organization gives for updating the certification to avoid any delay in receiving the renewed certification.
Set Reminders for the Next Renewal
Subsequently, it is wise to set reminders for the next renewal cycle to avoid a last-minute rush or forgetting some details. Using calendars and writing due dates, you can create a notification mechanism that will remind you every time your certification is due for BLS. If you include these reminders in your schedule, you will always renew your certificate on time and keep your credentials up-to-date.
Conclusion
Remember that renewing your BLS certification is something that you must take seriously. Every BLS card comes with an expiry date. So, you must know how long your BLS certificate lasts and take a proactive approach to renewing it. Follow the steps discussed earlier to manage the renewal process effectively. Being current in your BLS certification shows you are ready to respond to an emergency and even help save lives. Sign up for a renewal course today and stay updated.