Basic Life Support (BLS) training equips individuals with essential medical skills to perform during critical situations until further medical help arrives. Studies show that survival rates double when BLS is given by the first person on the scene and with the correct usage of an automated external defibrillator.
Irrespective of its importance, many individuals make common mistakes during BLS training, leading to gaps in knowledge and impacting the effectiveness of BLS techniques. In this article, we will discuss the most common errors and offer solutions to avoid them.
What is BLS Training?
Basic Life Support (BLS) training is a certification course where individuals, healthcare professionals, and emergency responders are taught essential medical skills to manage breathing and cardiac issues in emergencies until professional help arrives.
The training includes instruction in CPR techniques, AED use, and other advanced methods for handling cardiac arrest and respiratory-related problems.
Common Mistakes In BLS Training
Common mistakes during BLS training can hinder skill retention and performance, reducing readiness in real-life scenarios. Here’s a look at typical errors in BLS training and practical solutions for avoiding them.
1. Registering for an Incorrect Class
Many people mistakenly enroll in a CPR class instead of a BLS training course. While CPR is part of BLS, BLS training covers additional skills, including AED use and care for choking victims of all ages.
What To Do? Always clarify with your supervisor to ensure you’re signing up for the correct training that aligns with your role and responsibilities.
2. Improper Chest Compression Techniques
If proper compression techniques aren’t learned, incorrect methods can hinder blood flow, making resuscitation less effective. This is especially critical in child and infant CPR, where many learners struggle with maintaining the correct depth and frequency for successful resuscitation.
What to Do: To improve technique, practice with feedback tools, such as dummies that provide real-time compression depth feedback, and consult instructors to perfect your technique.
3. Lack of Understanding of BLS Scope
Some participants view BLS training as just another certificate to add to their resume without fully understanding its purpose. BLS is intended for situations where immediate response can save lives, including respiratory and cardiac emergencies.
If trainees aren’t committed to using these skills in real-life scenarios, they may struggle to perform effectively when needed.
What To Do? Consider the importance of BLS training and ensure you’re prepared to take action in emergencies. This commitment will make the training experience more valuable and practical.
4. Choosing a Low-Quality Training Provider
Not all BLS training centers offer the same standard of education. Some facilities may use outdated materials or lack certified instructors, which can compromise training quality. A reputable training center ensures you receive comprehensive, up-to-date education on all BLS procedures.
What To Do? Research accredited providers with certified instructors who follow updated protocols.
5. Skipping Hands-On Practice
Practical BLS skills, such as chest compressions and rescue breathing, require muscle memory that cannot be achieved through theory alone. Many trainees make the mistake of focusing solely on classroom knowledge without engaging in hands-on practice, which is essential for effective life-saving.
What to Do: Take advantage of practical sessions during the course and continue practicing on your own or with peers afterward.
6. Inadequate Learning of AED Use
AEDs are crucial in BLS, but improper use can delay care, such as neglecting to follow AED instructions or misplacing the pads. AED use requires a clear step-by-step process, from activating the device to safely delivering a shock.
What to Do: Practice using an AED during training and memorize the basic steps, such as clearing the area before delivering a shock. Familiarize yourself with AED devices.
7. Poor Ventilation Practices
Another frequent issue is giving ventilation breaths at the wrong rate or depth. BLS guidelines recommend 10–12 breaths per minute for adults, with minimal interruptions to compressions. Incorrect breathing techniques can disrupt blood flow or result in insufficient oxygen supply.
What to Do: Practice the correct rhythm with hands-on feedback and focus on minimizing interruptions to compressions.
8. Not Updating Skills with New Guidelines
BLS guidelines are frequently updated as research improves emergency care methods. Practitioners relying on outdated knowledge risk using ineffective or incorrect techniques in critical moments.
What to Do: Stay informed about updates by joining professional groups or subscribing to organizations. Regularly attend refresher courses to reinforce and update your skills.
9. Poor Team Communication and Coordination
Effective team coordination is essential in emergency situations, where roles should be clearly defined, and communication must be precise.
Without teamwork, critical steps may be overlooked, resulting in delayed or ineffective care.
What to Do: Practice team-based scenarios during training, understand the importance of identifying medical emergencies, and assign roles in advance to avoid confusion during emergencies.
10. Skipping Post-Training Practice
Many trainees assume that a single BLS certification is enough to retain skills indefinitely. In reality, skills like compressions and rescue breathing can fade without regular practice.
What to Do: Incorporate periodic refresher sessions even after certification. Enroll in BLS certification renewal courses to maintain your practical skills and keep your certificate updated.
Preventing Mistakes and Mastering BLS Training
BLS training is a skill set that prepares you to respond in life-threatening situations, whether you’re a healthcare professional or a bystander. By recognizing and avoiding common mistakes, such as choosing the right class, mastering chest compressions, prioritizing hands-on practice, and selecting the right training provider, you can get the most out of your training. Staying up to date with guidelines, building strong team communication, and practicing regularly will reinforce these skills so you’re ready for medical emergencies.
My name is Andrea Thompson and I’m a home based freelance writer. I’m 23 years old, married to my best friend, and mother to a wonderfully independent and opinionated 3 year old girl and step-mother to a sweet seven year old boy. I live in a tiny, little town in Kentucky, where I spend my free time fishing with my kids.
Writing has always been my passion, which I followed through high school, and for a while in college. Life happened, and once I discovered we were pregnant, I switched directions; opting for the healthcare industry because of the stability.
Finally, years later, I was in a place where I could leave the day job that never truly made me happy, and pursue my dreams. I’ve built, and am still building, my writing career from scratch. But, I’m passionate and I’m good at what I do. And, in the end, I can prove to my daughter that she can do anything she wants with this life.
