By Richard Brown, RN (BSN) · Owner & Instructor, Rich In Health LLC
They share a foundation
Both CPR and BLS (Basic Life Support) teach you to recognize cardiac arrest and deliver effective chest compressions and rescue breaths. If you've heard people use the terms interchangeably, that's why — the core life-saving skill is the same.
Where they diverge
CPR courses are designed for the general public — parents, teachers, coaches, workplaces. They give you the confidence and skill to act until help arrives.
BLS is the provider-level version, built for healthcare and care staff. It goes further: two-rescuer techniques, bag-valve-mask ventilation, and the team dynamics of a real resuscitation. Many clinical and care roles specifically require BLS.
- Choose CPR if you're a parent, teacher, coach, or general workplace
- Choose BLS if you're a nurse, aide, medical/dental staff, or care-home worker
- Not sure? A quick message and we'll point you to the right one
Still not sure?
The simplest test: if your job or clinical role requires a specific certification, ask which one — it's almost always BLS. If you just want to be ready to help family, neighbors, or the public, CPR is the right fit.