AHA BLS Exam Study Guide 2026: Pass the Open-Book Test in Augusta, GA
Are you preparing for your Basic Life Support (BLS), ACLS, or PALS certification? At Pulse CPR and First Aid School, we know that high-stakes testing can be stressful. Whether you’re a nurse at Wellstar MCG, a dental professional in Evans, or a first responder in Martinez, passing your AHA exam is the gateway to your professional career.
This 2025 BLS Cheat Sheet breaks down the most recent American Heart Association guidelines, ensuring you have the “Pulse” on the latest life-saving science. Remember: The AHA BLS exam is now an open-resource (open-book) test, and this guide is the ultimate resource to have by your side.
2026 AHA Guidelines: What’s New for Augusta Healthcare Providers?
The AHA recently consolidated its protocols into a Unified Chain of Survival. The biggest changes for 2025 include:
- Explicit Naloxone Integration: The BLS algorithm now clearly shows exactly when to administer Naloxone (Narcan) for suspected opioid overdoses.
- Updated Choking Protocols: For severe adult choking, the cycle is now strictly 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts.
- Emphasis on “Recovery”: A 6th link has been added to the Chain of Survival focusing on rehabilitation and long-term psychological support.
The “Cheat Sheet”: Critical BLS Metrics for 2026
Use this table as your quick-reference guide during your open-book exam at Pulse CPR and First Aid School.
| Feature | Adult (Puberty & Older) | Child (1yr to Puberty) | Infant (Under 1yr) |
| Compression Rate | 100–120 bpm | 100–120 bpm | 100–120 bpm |
| Compression Depth | 2 to 2.4 inches | ~2 inches (1/3 chest) | ~1.5 inches (1/3 chest) |
| 1-Rescuer Ratio | 30:2 | 30:2 | 30:2 |
| 2-Rescuer Ratio | 30:2 | 15:2 | 15:2 |
| Hand Placement | 2 hands on lower sternum | 1 or 2 hands on sternum | 2 fingers or 2 thumbs |
| Pulse Check Site | Carotid (Neck) | Carotid or Femoral | Brachial (Arm) |
Step-by-Step BLS Algorithm (2026 Update)
If you are taking your class at our Martinez, GA location, these are the steps our instructors will emphasize for your skills check and written test:
1. Scene Safety & Assessment
Verify the scene is safe (especially on busy Augusta roads like Washington Rd). Tap the shoulders and shout. Check for breathing and a pulse simultaneously for no more than 10 seconds.
2. Activate Emergency Response
Shout for help! If you are alone with a mobile phone, use the speakerphone to call 911 while you begin CPR. Get an AED immediately.
3. High-Quality CPR
- Compressions: Start within 10 seconds. Minimize interruptions to less than 10 seconds.
- Airway: Use the Head Tilt-Chin Lift (or Jaw Thrust if a spinal injury is suspected).
- Breathing: Deliver each breath over 1 second; look for visible chest rise. Avoid excessive ventilation.
4. AED Operation
The AED is the most critical link for survival in Augusta.
- Power on the AED first.
- Follow the voice prompts.
- Clear the victim during analysis and shock delivery.
- Resume CPR immediately after the shock (starting with compressions).
Opioid Overdose & Naloxone (New 2026 BLS Step)
With the rise of opioid-related emergencies in the CSRA, the AHA now integrates Naloxone directly into the BLS flow.
- If the patient has a pulse but isn’t breathing: Give 1 breath every 6 seconds and administer Naloxone per local protocol.
- If the patient has NO pulse: Start CPR first, then administer Naloxone as soon as it is available.
Why Choose Pulse CPR and First Aid School in Martinez, GA?
Located at 110 Davis Rd Suite #18, we are the premier training site for the Greater Augusta area. We don’t just “teach a class”—we ensure you retain the knowledge to save a life.
- ACLS & PALS Mastery: Our advanced courses for doctors and paramedics go beyond the basics.
- On-Site Training: We bring the classroom to your Augusta business or medical office.
- Same-Day Certification: Walk out with your AHA eCard the same day you pass.
Contact Information:
- Address: 110 Davis Rd Suite #18, Martinez, GA 30907
- Phone: 706-901-7277
- Website: PulseCPRSchool.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the BLS test hard?
Not if you’re prepared! Because it is open-resource, the test focuses on your ability to find and apply information. Our instructors at Pulse CPR guide you through every scenario.
Where can I find ACLS classes in Augusta, GA?
Pulse CPR and First Aid School offers weekly ACLS and PALS certifications at our Davis Rd location, serving Martinez, Evans, and Augusta.
What is the passing score for the AHA BLS exam?
You must score at least 84% (21 out of 25 questions correct). With our study guide and hands-on coaching, our students have a near-100% pass rate!
BLS & ACLS Exam Day Checklist: Everything You Need for Pulse CPR School
Going for your certification at 110 Davis Rd Suite #18? Use this checklist to ensure you are 100% prepared to pass your AHA Open-Book Exam and skills check on the first try.
🟢 1. The Essentials (Don’t Leave Home Without These)
- [ ] Photo ID: Required for all AHA certifications in Augusta, GA.
- [ ] AHA Provider Manual: Bring your physical book or ensure your eBook is downloaded and accessible on your tablet/phone (WiFi can be spotty, so download it ahead of time!).
- [ ] Pre-test Results: If you are taking ACLS or PALS, you must bring your printed Pre-course Self-Assessment certificate with a score of 70% or higher.
- [ ] Comfortable Clothing: You will be on the floor practicing compressions. Wear scrubs, athletic gear, or comfortable pants. Avoid skirts or restrictive clothing.
🔵 2. The “Open-Book” Strategy
Since the BLS exam is open-resource, preparation is about organization, not just memorization:
- [ ] Tab Your Book: Use sticky notes to mark the Adult, Child, and Infant CPR tables.
- [ ] Highlight the Algorithms: Mark the “Opioid-Associated Emergency” and “AED” pages.
- [ ] Bring a Pen/Highlighter: You’ll want to take notes during the group discussion phase at Pulse CPR to help with the trickier exam questions.
🟡 3. Key Metrics to Know (The “Quick-Fire” List)
Before you walk into the Martinez, GA classroom, have these numbers at the front of your mind:
- [ ] Compression Speed: 100–120 bpm (Think of the beat to “Stayin’ Alive”).
- [ ] Rescue Breathing: 1 breath every 6 seconds for adults (10 breaths/min).
- [ ] Switching Roles: Switch compressors every 2 minutes (or 5 cycles) to prevent fatigue.
- [ ] AED Priority: Turn it on the moment it arrives. Do not wait to finish a cycle of CPR.
🔴 4. Location & Contact Info
- [ ] Address Check: Pulse CPR and First Aid School is located at 110 Davis Rd Suite #18, Martinez, GA 30907.
- [ ] Save the Number: Put 706-901-7277 in your phone in case you have trouble finding the suite or are running late.
- [ ] Arrival Time: Arrive 15 minutes early to get settled and grab a good seat for the group discussions.
🚀 Pro-Tip for Success
The American Heart Association standards are updated frequently. Even if you’ve been a nurse at Piedmont Augusta or Wellstar MCG for years, keep an open mind! The group discussion at Pulse CPR is where the real “retention” happens. Ask questions, get hands-on with the mannequins, and use your peers to talk through complex scenarios.
Need to Schedule Your Class?
Pulse CPR and First Aid School is the #1 rated training center in the CSRA for:
- BLS (Healthcare Providers)
- ACLS & PALS (Advanced Life Support)
- First Aid & Heartsaver (General Public/Workplace)
