BLS vs BCLS question

[ByTheLake]

Dumb question here: Asked if I have BCLS. I have "AHA's BLS for Healthcare Providers (CPR & AED)." Is BCLS the same? Something completely different? Or an add-on to the BLS??

[caliotter3]

I've seen the two used interchangeably. However, I think BLS is the correct term. I've taken my classes/tests from both AHA and ARC providers and have only had one entity request one over the other. They stated that the two year time period for AHA was not often enough, so they required a yearly card. Sorry could not be of more help.

[ByTheLake]

I've seen the two used interchangeably. However, I think BLS is the correct term. I've taken my classes/tests from both AHA and ARC providers and have only had one entity request one over the other. They stated that the two year time period for AHA was not often enough, so they required a yearly card. Sorry could not be of more help.

Thank you, you were helpful! I feel especially silly asking as it's for online app for first nursing job ever. I'm already scared poop-less over graduating and startign to work as a nurse, and here I was thinking "Man, if I don't even know this..." LOL!

[markdk86]

I'm a EMT in New Jersey, apsiring male nurse when I finish my bio degree.

BLS and BCLS are the same interchangable term. Basic Life Support vs Basic Care Life Support. Same thing, different lettering :)

[Dorito, ASN, RN]

I thought maybe the BCLS stood for Basic Cardiac Life Support since ACLS stands for Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

[markdk86]

I thought maybe the BCLS stood for Basic Cardiac Life Support since ACLS stands for Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

I think it can be looked at that way also, but when referring to ALS they can be much more than cardiac, so I always took it that the "C" stood for care. I know on the first responder and CPR cards the "C" stands for cardiac because CPR Cert. covers CPR and AED, purley all cardiac related.