Basic Disaster Life Support™ (BDLS®)

Blended Learning: Online Modules + In-Person Skills Session

Basic Disaster Life Support™ (BDLS®) is a nationally recognized, competency-based course that prepares healthcare and public safety professionals to respond effectively to disasters and public health emergencies. This course is delivered using the updated BDLS® blended-learning format, which combines online didactic education with an in-person skills-based session.

The curriculum emphasizes a standardized, all-hazards approach to disaster response and focuses on population-based care, scalable casualty management, and coordinated multidisciplinary response. BDLS® serves as the foundational course within the National Disaster Life Support™ program and is a prerequisite for Advanced Disaster Life Support™ (ADLS®).

Course Format

• Online learning modules completed prior to the in-person session
• In-person, instructor-led skills session and facilitated discussion
• Application of disaster response principles using case-based scenarios

Key Learning Outcomes

• Describe an all-hazards, population-based approach to disaster and public health emergency response
• Apply standardized disaster terminology and response frameworks
• Understand health system surge capacity and coordination across disciplines
• Identify workforce protection and public health considerations during disasters
• Prepare for progression to Advanced Disaster Life Support™ (ADLS®) training