Instructor Resource Portal

For US Training Centers offering virtual training options, please communicate the following to your Instructors and students prior to class: Please note that students will not be able to claim valid CAPCE continuing education (CE) credits for Instructor-led training courses and or blended hands-on sessions that are being taught using virtual training methods. This is because the CE applications that were approved for these courses were for a live course agenda, not for any other course formats that may have a different course experience and duration.This affects any current full and renewal/update healthcare Instructor-led courses (BLS, ACLS, ACLS EP, PALS, PEARS) conducted virtually since April 2, 2020 (when the AHA began offering virtual training options).The hands-on portion of healthcare Instructor Essentials (BLS, ACLS, ACLS EP, PALS, or PEARS) is also affected, but on a very limited basis because we aren’t allowing Instructor Essentials to be taught virtually in the US, other than a handful of exceptions.Regular Instructor-led courses without virtual training methods are not affected. Online courses are not affected. Current Instructor-led courses/instructor led skills sessions not listed above are not affected because no CE is offered for them.

Dear Global AHA Training Network, This week, as we prepare you for the release of the 2020 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC on October 21, 2020, we are pleased to share information about the 2020 AHA Guidelines Instructor Update eLearning Courses. As part of our aggressive efforts to bring science to life, 2020 AHA Guidelines Instructor Update eLearning Courses, complimentary for all AHA Instructors, will be available through your Instructor access to the AHA Instructor Network on October 21, 2020 – the same day the 2020 Guidelines are released! These eLearning courses will provide AHA Instructors necessary updates on new science and key changes that will be published in the 2020 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. Interim Training Materials will also be available to Instructors and Training Centers through the AHA Instructor Network to show you where to incorporate the new science into your courses until you begin teaching with the new course materials. Instructor Update Requirements for Instructors and AHA Faculty All AHA Instructors and Faculty must complete their required Instructor Update(s) by February 1, 2021, to continue teaching or overseeing AHA courses. Instructor Updates will be available in the following disciplines: BLS, ACLS (for ACLS and ACLS EP Instructors), PALS, PEARS, and Heartsaver. An Instructor Update must be completed for each discipline taught. For example, AHA BLS Instructors must complete the BLS 2020 Instructor Update, and those BLS Instructors who teach Heartsaver® courses must also complete the Heartsaver 2020 Instructor Update. For PALS Instructors who teach PEARS®, completion of the PEARS 2020 Instructor Update is recommended, but not required. Training Center Coordinators also have access to these courses, as they are a first line of support for their Instructors. However, TCCs who are not Instructors are not required to complete Instructor Updates. Transition Timeline: Teaching 2020 AHA Guidelines Courses Using New Materials All AHA Instructors and Training Centers will have until February 1, 2021, to begin teaching the new, 2020 Guidelines healthcare courses (BLS, ACLS, PALS) using new materials. To introduce AHA Instructors to the new courses and materials, the AHA will offer complimentary, online Product & Course Orientations for BLS, ACLS, and PALS. These orientations will also be available to Instructors and TCCs through their access to the AHA Instructor Network. We are committed to continuing to provide our valued AHA Training Network crucial information that will help you continue to deliver and enhance lifesaving training as we get closer to the 2020 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC release in October. Please continue to visit the Science & Guidelines page on the AHA Instructor Network for the latest 2020 AHA Guidelines news and resources for the AHA Training Network. As always, we thank you for your commitment to our shared mission of saving lives. Sincerely, American Heart Association CPR & Emergency Cardiovascular Care

Dear Global AHA Training Network,

Beginning in early March, to provide additional flexibility for providers, AHA Instructors, and AHA Training Centers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the AHA issued extensions for AHA Instructor and Provider cards beyond their recommended renewal date, initially for 60 days, then to 120 days. Over the last 3 months, to support you during this challenging time, the AHA has also released guidance on additional precautions, options for healthcare and Heartsaver courses, CPR guidelines, just-in-time ventilation modules for healthcare providers, and is temporarily allowing virtual training through guidance to our Training Center Coordinators.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves and Training Centers may be more able to return to training providers and Instructors using options provided by the AHA, we are issuing clarification and updates for card extensions as outlined below.

• Those with AHA Provider and Instructor cards that expired in March and April, and those with cards expiring at the end of May and June can renew their card for up to 120 days from the recommended renewal date on their card. See below for specific recommended renewal and extension dates:Recommended Renewal Date on Card (end of month)New Renewal Due Date with 120-day Extension (end of month)March 2020July 2020April 2020August 2020May 2020September 2020June 2020October 2020

• Beginning in July, we will resume normal timelines for renewing cards. Those with cards expiring at the end of July should plan to renew their cards by the recommended renewal date on their card (July 2020).
   
• However, for those who may be in affected areas with restrictions still in place into July, Training Centers, at their discretion, may consider extending July cards past their renewal date, for no more than 120 days.
   
• As always, AHA TCs are responsible for following the instructions from their local government or public health authority as it relates to actions around COVID-19. In accordance with the guidelines released by local government, the leadership of the TC should use discretion to evaluate the risk of disease transmission in their area before organizing any training events and take necessary precautions to avoid transmissions.

The AHA continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate options for delivering resuscitation education while taking the proper precautions. Our top priority is the safety of both AHA Instructors and learners.

We know that high-quality CPR is the primary component in influencing survival from cardiac arrest. To save more lives, healthcare providers must be competent in delivering high-quality CPR, and patient care teams must be coordinated and competent working together effectively. Although COVID-19 is certainly our most immediate threat, we must remember the ever-lurking dangers of heart disease and stroke – which, year in and year out, are the top two killers worldwide.

As a reminder, the AHA offers many options to help meet your training needs and the needs of your learners. During this time of social distancing, our blended learning or self-directed learning may be good options for your organization. Consider offering blended learning courses such as the AHA’s HeartCode program for BLS, ACLS, and PALS, or Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED blended learning for non-healthcare providers. Students can complete the online portion of the course and then complete their skills session separately when it is convenient. Self-directed learning and skills competence can be obtained with social distancing outside the classroom with the AHA’s HeartCode Complete and RQI (Resuscitation Quality Improvement) programs for healthcare providers.

We remain committed to serving you as trusted resource to allow for the continuance of safe, high-quality CPR training, as feasible. Thank you for everything you are doing during this challenging time.

Sincerely,
American Heart Association

Please see the latest training memo.

https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/resources/covid-19-resources-for-cpr-training/training-memo-heartsaver-courses-during-covid-19_042020-secured-1.pdf?la=en&hash=B13FC70438565CA0CC0EDB37ADB5F5E0978A2348

Dear Global AHA Training Network,

The American Heart Association acknowledges the unprecedented strain the COVID-19 pandemic is placing on the delivery of healthcare and supporting operations, including training. Our chief concern is the health and safety of our Training Network, and the people you train. We care about you and the lives that are being impacted due to COVID-19.

During this time, we want to do everything we can to make it easier for you to continue your lifesaving work. So, while you may be unable to train because of COVID-19 in your area, we are updating guidance released on March 13, 2020 regarding card extensions. The American Heart Association will now extend AHA Instructor and Provider Course Completion Cards for 120 days beyond their recommended renewal date, beginning with cards that expire in March 2020.Please see the updated guidance here.

Given this extension, we know that high-quality CPR is the primary component in influencing survival from cardiac arrest. To save more lives, healthcare providers must be competent in delivering high-quality CPR, and patient care teams must be coordinated and competent working together effectively. So, where and when it is possible for you to continue training, please make sure to

• Follow the latest guidelines released by your local government and regulatory body, evaluate the risk of disease transmission in your area before organizing any training events, and
• Continue to review the latest guidance and resources for the AHA Training Network, including the March 10, 2020 Training Memo with recommended instructional changes including additions to equipment and decontamination procedures. Find COVID-19 CPR & Resuscitation Resources here.

Thank you for everything you’re doing during this challenging time. We will continue to monitor this evolving situation and provide you with information and resources so you can stay focused on saving lives.

Sincerely,

American Heart Association