What Happens If Your BLS Certification Expires?

Basic life support is regarded as an important skill for various professionals, most importantly for medical professionals. According to the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), early resuscitation and prompt defibrillation (within 1-2 minutes) can result in >60% survival. Unfortunately, millions of workers experience expired BLS certification annually, thereby negatively influencing their personal and professional status. Knowing how to renew BLS certification immediately once your certification expires can be of immense importance, as it makes sure that your career and preparedness, both in and out of emergencies, are maintained.

Importance of Current BLS Certification

One key reason for keeping the BLS certification active is to ensure healthcare providers are accredited with life-saving skills relevant to emergencies. A BLS provider is taught how to identify different critical events and respond appropriately in those situations, such as when cards arrest and obstruct airways. An active BLS certification indicates that such skills have been updated and renewed.

An active certification is also essential for career purposes. Many healthcare institutions require valid BLS certification as part of their job qualifications. Employers hire BLS-certified professionals to deliver a higher quality of care. As such, allowing a BLS certification to lapse can negatively impact one's chances of employment or, worse still, may cause one to lose one's job. Thus, it is important to know how to renew BLS certification quickly and in continuation for quality patient care.

It ensures that the skills you are applying, which are according to the American Heart Association's recommendation, are up-to-date. The AHA recommendations change after some time, and new recommendations following the issuance of new guidelines are included in renewal courses; therefore, you stay updated and in compliance.

Effects of an Expired BLS Certification

Timely intervention by a professional improves the prospects for survival immensely in cardiac emergencies. Providers with an expired BLS certificate have outdated guidelines and thus compromise their patients. The Effects of an Expired BLS Certification Having an expired BLS certification has various important effects.

• Issues in Career Prospects

First and foremost, letting your BLS certification lapse puts you on an unfavorable career track. Most healthcare organizations require valid BLS certifications; hence, an expired one can lead to career difficulties. Healthcare employers prefer candidates who have current certifications and have demonstrated commitment to safety and compliance.

• life-saving Technique

Expired certification may also imply you are not allowed to offer life-saving interventions based on your profession. That becomes a blow to your confidence in case of an emergency. Perhaps you might not legally carry out crucial interventions. Moreover, suppose an emergency occurs at your workplace. In that case, legal liability will be drawn against you since your actions may be based on protocols that are not authorized.

• Less Time Consuming

You will have to spend extra time and effort to obtain a renewal for an expired certification. If you keep your BLS certification current, you can use a renewal course, which typically is less demanding and time-consuming than initial certification. On the other hand, should you allow your certification to lapse, some schools demand that you complete the full BLS course rather than just renew it. This course is usually longer and has extra material to cover the skills you may have missed.

• Less Time Consuming

In a financial sense, letting a BLS certification expire can carry additional costs. Renew BLS classes are usually cheaper compared to certification classes. If the entire certification process must be retaken and costs twice as much to complete as renewing a class, then there are costs associated with renewal time, too. If certification is considered a hiring requirement, renewal time may be the basis for not taking pay or waiting to be hired.

An expired BLS certification generally goes hand in hand with your preparedness, the legality of the care you provide, and your job prospects. Thus, making sure you renew your BLS before it lapses is a necessity for any caregiver.

How to Renew an Expired BLS Certification

Timely BLS renewal ensures that your certification is current and as per the guidelines. BLS renewal is easy and less time-consuming if you follow a proper guide. The following steps will help you determine if your BLS has expired:

• Check Your Expiration Status

First, check the status of your certification, including expiration dates. Some institutions have a grace period. If you confirm that your BLS certification has officially expired, you should renew it as soon as possible.

• Enroll in a Course

The best way to renew your BLS certification is through renewal course enrollment. The core skills are refreshed in the renewal course, which is usually shorter than the original course. Most institutions offer flexible options between in-person and online courses.

• Find an Accredited Institution

To renew BLS certification, one should find an accredited institution. Renewal must be through an AHA-accredited course, and that needs to be the latest training available. Besides, most of the employers accept only accredited courses given by the AHA.

• Consider Online Renewal Options

Online courses offer flexibility and convenience. With many providers now offering BLS renewals online, you get to study at your own pace and review a subject with ease. Some require you to show your skills in person after completing the modules online. This format saves time if your schedule is busy.

• Reinstate Required Skills Assessment

Some restorative programs require in-person assessments of practical skills. These will include CPR, the use of an AED, and how to deal with airway obstruction. At this time, the trainer will check up on your preparedness and proficiencies with the core skills.

Once you complete the renewal course, you will get a new certification. Make a copy and send it to your employer for their files. That way, you are also confirming that the law allows you to implement BLS interventions within the institution. That way, healthcare providers renew BLS certifications without losing their credentials.

Keep your Skills Current with BLS Renewal

An expired BLS certification may influence your profession, preparedness, and input to work in the event of emergencies. Maintaining your certification status ensures that your professional standing is well-maintained and you're always ready to offer life-saving care. Since the demand for BLS-certified healthcare professionals continues to remain high, one should renew BLS certifications immediately and sustain such important skills.