In emergencies, quick action can save lives. However, terms like CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) are often mixed up, making it hard to know which one to learn or suggest. So, what is the difference between CPR and BLS?
In the UK, knowing the difference between CPR and BLS is essential for anyone interested in first aid, especially those in healthcare, childcare, education, public service, fitness coaching, or volunteering. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, carer, or just want to be better prepared, it’s essential to understand how these terms differ and why both are important.
Knowing the difference between CPR and BLS helps people choose the right training for their needs and gain confidence to respond effectively in emergencies.
What is CPR?
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone’s heart stops or they stop breathing. The goal is to keep blood flowing to the brain and other important organs until help arrives.
Key Actions in CPR:
- Push hard and fast on the chest
- Give rescue breaths (in some training)
- Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available
CPR is crucial in emergencies like:
- Cardiac arrest
- Drowning
- Drug overdoses
- Sudden collapse without breathing
You can learn CPR in first aid courses, community workshops, or online. In the UK, training is widely available and encouraged for all adults and older children. Everyone should know CPR, regardless of their background or job.
What is Basic Life Support (BLS)?
Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of life-saving skills that includes CPR and more. It is the standard for health and emergency workers.
BLS includes:
- All parts of CPR.
- Proper use of barrier devices like pocket masks and face shields.
- Techniques for two-person CPR.
- Managing choking incidents.
- Specific methods for infants, children, and adults.
- Ensuring scene safety, assessing patients, and communicating with emergency services.
BLS offers more depth than CPR alone. It often involves simulations and assessments to help trainees perform well under pressure. If you want to work in nursing, paramedicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, firefighting, or emergency response, you will need a valid BLS training certificate that meets UK standards and Resuscitation Council (UK) guidelines.
CPR vs BLS – What’s the Core Difference?
CPR and BLS may seem similar at first. Both involve chest compressions and aim to save lives. However, the differences between CPR and BLS are clear when you consider the training, who they are for, and what is expected in clinical situations.
| Feature | CPR | BLS |
| Audience | General public | Healthcare professionals & care workers |
| Complexity | Basic, entry-level | Advanced, structured |
| Includes AED? | Sometimes | Always |
| Two-person techniques? | Rarely taught | Fully included |
| Infant/Child methods? | Occasionally | Mandatory |
| Use of barrier devices? | Optional | Required |
| Scene assessment? | Brief | Detailed & systematic |
| Legal/Ethical context? | Limited | Included |
To put it simply:
- CPR is an important skill everyone should learn.
- BLS is a step-by-step system designed for professionals who might need to save lives at work.
Knowing the difference between CPR and basic life support training helps you prepare for your responsibilities.
Why the Distinction Matters in Real Life
Imagine walking through a busy shopping centre when someone suddenly collapses in front of you. If you’ve taken a CPR course, you can check for breathing, perform chest compressions, and possibly use a nearby AED. This could help keep that person alive until paramedics arrive.
Now, picture the same situation, but as a trained BLS provider. You would do all of the above and also:
Work well with others
- Use protective devices for yourself and the patient
- Spot signs of choking or breathing problems
- Provide care for longer periods
- Collaborate with a team using two-person CPR techniques
This shows that the difference between CPR and BLS is significant. It affects how well emergency care is given, how safe it is, and the outcome for the patient. Both are important, but BLS training gives you more skills and confidence, especially in high-risk situations or professional settings.
Which One Should You Take?
Choosing between CPR and BLS training depends on your job, lifestyle, and duties. Here’s a summary:
Opt for CPR Training If:
- You are part of the public.
- You are a parent, babysitter, or teacher.
- You help out in the community or join support groups.
- You want to be ready for emergencies at home, school, or in public.
Opt for BLS Training If:
- You work in healthcare or social care.
- You are a lifeguard, fitness trainer, dental nurse, or carer.
- Your employer needs you to have better emergency response training.
- You want to learn more about life-saving techniques.
At Training 22, we offer entry-level CPR and basic life support training courses designed for you. Our training follows the latest UK laws and industry standards.
Legal Requirements and Workplace Policies in the UK
UK workplace health and safety laws are straightforward: employers must make sure their staff can handle medical emergencies. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 set the training standards for most jobs in the UK today.
Some jobs only need basic first aid and CPR training, but many sectors, especially healthcare, childcare, and personal care, require more advanced skills like BLS certification.
Roles That Commonly Require BLS Certification:
- NHS and private healthcare workers
- Care home staff
- Ambulance teams and paramedics
- Dental clinics
- Nursing homes
- Community responders
Employers wanting to meet legal requirements often choose full Basic Life Support Training UK to give staff reliable emergency response skills.
What Happens During a BLS Course?
A Basic Life Support (BLS) course is an interactive experience. It mixes learning with practical skills to prepare students for real emergencies. Here’s what you can expect in a typical BLS course:
Theoretical Topics:
- Learn to identify when someone has stopped breathing or their heart has stopped beating.
- Understand how to check if a person’s airway is clear and learn techniques to open it.
- Know the ethical guidelines and laws that apply when helping someone in need.
- Find out when to call for help and the best way to do it.
Practical Components:
- CPR for adults, children, and infants with manikins.
- Team-based CPR practise with two people.
- Using an AED in practise scenarios.
- Effectively using pocket masks and face shields.
- Responding to choking emergencies with abdominal thrusts and back blows.
Courses usually have tests and give a certificate when you finish successfully. At Training 22, our CPR and BLS course in London follows UK Resuscitation Council guidelines and is taught by skilled instructors.
How Often Should You Refresh Your Training?
Emergency skills can fade away. Without regular practise, even the best-trained person can forget important steps.
The Resuscitation Council UK suggests:
- Refresh CPR training at least once a year.
- Renew BLS certification every 1 to 2 years.
In many jobs, especially in healthcare and childcare, yearly training is required by law or the organisation.
Signs It’s Time for a Refresher:
- You are unsure about how to perform CPR or use an AED.
- You haven’t practised on a manikin for over a year.
- Your certification has almost expired.
- Protocols or equipment, like AEDs, have changed.
Our Basic First Aid and CPR Course in London helps you stay compliant, confident, and up-to-date with safety practises.
Common Myths About CPR and BLS
Misinformation can be harmful, especially when it stops people from getting training. Let’s clear up some myths:
Myth 1: “CPR and BLS are the same.”
Reality: BLS includes CPR but also adds advanced techniques and teamwork.
Myth 2: “Only doctors and nurses need BLS.”
Reality: Many people outside of medicine, like fitness coaches and childcare workers, should know BLS.
Myth 3: “CPR is useless without mouth-to-mouth.”
Reality: Compression-only CPR works well for many adult cardiac arrests, especially in the first few minutes.
Myth 4: “You can’t use an AED without training.”
Reality: AEDs are made for public use and provide visual and voice prompts. Training can help you feel more confident.
Knowing the differences between CPR and BLS helps you make better choices and reduces fear about first aid.
Which Course is Right for You?
Are you unsure if you need CPR or BLS training? Think about these questions:
- Will you be the first person to respond to a medical emergency?
- Do you work with vulnerable people like babies, older adults, or those with health issues?
- Do you want to feel ready to handle stressful situations?
If you said yes to any of these, BLS training is a great choice for you. Even a CPR course can greatly improve your chances of saving a life. In many emergencies, taking action is better than doing nothing. That’s why we encourage everyone to learn basic life support skills.
At Training 22, we offer engaging and affordable CPR and Basic Life Support Training courses that are fully accredited.
Take the first step to saving lives – enrol in your preferred course today!