When responding to a cardiac emergency, the level of medical intervention can make all the difference. But what do terms like BLS, ILS, ALS, and ACLS really mean? And how do they differ?
For healthcare professionals and first responders, choosing the right training is essential. This article breaks down each level of life support, explaining its scope, target audience, and key skills.
What is Basic Life Support (BLS)?
Who is BLS for?
- General public
- First responders
- Basic healthcare providers
What does BLS cover?
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) – chest compressions and rescue breaths
- AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use – delivering a shock to restart the heart
- Choking relief – responding to airway obstructions in adults, children, and infants
Scope of BLS
BLS focuses on maintaining circulation and breathing until professional medical help arrives. It does not include invasive procedures or medication administration.
Key takeaway: BLS is an essential life skill — early intervention before an ambulance arrives can significantly improve survival rates.
More information: Resuscitation Council UK – BLS Guidelines
What is Intermediate Life Support (ILS)?
The term ILS (Immediate Life Support) refers to an enhanced version of BLS, often used in clinical settings. It is aimed at healthcare professionals who may need to respond to cardiac arrests or deteriorating patients before the arrival of a resuscitation team.
Who is ILS for?
- Ambulance Technicians
- Nursing staff
- Healthcare workers with additional training
What does ILS cover?
- BLS skills – including CPR and AED use
- Basic airway management – use of oxygen and supraglottic airways
- Recognition of cardiac arrest and deterioration
- Use of manual defibrillators – for early shock delivery in a hospital setting
Scope of ILS
ILS is an essential bridge between BLS and ALS, providing frontline healthcare workers with the ability to manage a cardiac arrest before more advanced support arrives.
Key takeaway: ILS includes oxygen therapy and airway management, making it more advanced than BLS but without the invasive procedures of ALS.
What is Advanced Life Support (ALS) / Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)?
ALS and ACLS are similar but regionally distinct training programs. ALS is commonly used in the UK, while ACLS follows international (mainly US-based) guidelines and is more widely recognised globally.
Who is ALS/ACLS for?
- Paramedics
- Doctors
- Critical care nurses
- Advanced healthcare professionals
What does ALS/ACLS cover?
- Advanced airway management – including endotracheal intubation
- ECG interpretation – diagnosing and managing arrhythmias
- Emergency drug administration – including adrenaline (epinephrine), amiodarone, and adenosine
- Cardioversion and pacing (ACLS-specific) – restoring heart rhythms in unstable arrhythmias
- Post-resuscitation care – stabilising patients after cardiac arrest
- Team leadership and communication – coordinating resuscitation efforts effectively
Scope of ALS/ACLS
Both ALS and ACLS provide the highest level of pre-hospital and hospital resuscitation training, but ACLS includes manual cardioversion and pacing, which is not always part of UK-based ALS training.
Key takeaway: UK paramedics train in ALS, US paramedics train in ACLS. ACLS is more widely recognised internationally, making it a preferred choice for professionals working globally.
BLS vs ILS vs ALS/ACLS: What’s the Difference?
| Training Level | Who It's For | Key Skills | Medications & Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLS (Basic Life Support) | General public, first responders | CPR, AED use, choking relief | No medications, AED only |
| ILS (Intermediate Life Support) | Ambulance Technicians, nurses | BLS skills + airway management, oxygen use | Oxygen therapy, supraglottic airways |
| ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) / ALS (Advanced Life Support) | Paramedics, doctors, critical care staff | Full resuscitation, ECG interpretation, emergency drugs | Defibrillators, advanced monitoring, full drug access |
Why Choose ACLS Training at Outreach Rescue?
At Outreach Rescue, we offer ACLS training that meets international standards, making it an ideal qualification for professionals working globally.
While ALS and ACLS cover similar resuscitation protocols, ACLS includes cardioversion and pacing, making it more comprehensive and widely recognised outside the UK.
By completing ACLS training, you will gain the expertise to manage life-threatening cardiac emergencies with confidence and competence.
Ready to advance your life-saving skills?
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Conclusion
- BLS provides essential CPR and AED skills for first responders and the public.
- ILS expands on BLS with oxygen therapy and airway management.
- ALS/ACLS delivers full resuscitation training, with ACLS offering international recognition and additional skills like cardioversion and pacing.
Choosing the right course depends on your role and the level of care you provide. If you’re a healthcare professional dealing with cardiac emergencies, ACLS training is a crucial investment in your skills and patient outcomes. From entry level to paramedic training, Outreach Rescue provides a comprehensive range of courses that include Clinical Education.
Don’t wait — Train better. Reduce risk. Save lives.