Recently, we have received many questions asking us if we provide CPR-HCP courses. Many professions require employees to be CPR and First Aid certified. Each job title requires you to attain a specific certificate, so it is important you sign up for the correct course(s). We recommend that you speak to your employer about which course you are required to take.
Why don’t we offer CPR-HCP?
As of April, the Canadian Red Cross has replaced CPR-HCP with Basic Life Support (BLS) courses. BLS is still the necessary course designed for healthcare providers, but now covers more information and goes into further detail about each topic that is covered. What was once a one hour course is now a four hour course with the option to include additional topics such as Airway Management and Oxygen Therapy.
Is BLS the same as CRP-HCP? In short, no, but it is the newly required course for healthcare providers now.
Why has HCP been replaced by BLS?
There are a couple reasons why HCP has been replaced by BLS. One reason is to create a clear distinction from all public CPR courses. Heathcare providers require specific training due to the professional environment they work in. The BLS course focuses on high-performance resuscitation in a team environment which is much different from normal CPR courses.
Another reason HCP has been replaced by BLS is because of the course content. Originally, HCP covered limited topics over a short duration. There was not enough time or information for students to learn important, life-saving skills for their jobs. BLS takes place over four hours and covers more detail about the topics learned in HCP while also teaching additional skills.
Who needs a BLS certificate?
Those who need a BLS certificate are typically those who work in a hospital setting such as nurses and medical doctors. Other professions, such as dentists, may require the BLS certificate as well, but you would need to check with your employer to confirm.
Is the BLS certificate valid nationally?
Yes. BLS certificates issued by the Canadian Red Cross are valid throughout Canada.
How do I renew my BLS certificate?
BLS is a certificate that must be renewed every year. Course materials are always changing, so it is important to keep your knowledge up to date. Healthcare providers must be able to fulfill their duties in the workplace, so keeping your certificate up-to-date is crucial.
Coast2Coast BLS Course
Coast2Coast offers many morning and evening BLS courses guaranteed to fit your schedule. Each course is taught by a highly trained Canadian Red Cross instructor. Once you complete the course and pass the multiple choice exam with a 75% score or higher, you will receive your certificate from the Canadian Red Cross. All certificates will be processed within 5-10 business days online.
Many of those who require the BLS certificate may also need Standard First Aid and CPR Level C. This is a separate course that cannot be taken on the same day as BLS. Coast2Coast does offer a bundle deal for those who require both certifications. While signing up for Standard First Aid and CPR-C, select the option for a bundle deal. You will receive a special discount code you can apply while signing up for your BLS course.
If you have any questions while signing up for a course, please contact us.
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