2020 ACLS Provider Renewal Certification Evening Class

The new ACLS Course includes the following changes:
Learning and Testing Stations
The ACLS Provider Course’s key change is achieving a minimal Chest Compression Fraction (CCF) of 81% for more objective practice and testing. This allows everyone to move from a perception of how they did to an actual measurement of how they performed (perception to reality). This requires scenarios to be run in real-time so that CCF can be measured coupled with a required feedback device for increased CPR quality. Teams will need to work together to figure out how to increase their CCF (i.e., choreography, logistics, etc.) for arrest-related cases. The desire is to transfer this newly acquired knowledge into real-world emergencies. This is the core of increasing survival rates.

Perform—–Measure—–Evaluate/Debrief——Implement changes—–Perform better—–Measure⇒⇒Continuous improvement cycle.

Online exams
The AHA now offers online exams for Instructor-led Training (ILT) courses. Online exams improve exam security and are just one way the AHA ensures that cardholders worldwide have met the same course completion requirements for ACLS classroom training.

Course Videos
• Course videos are available in digital format online.
• New videos have been added to the ACLS Course, including CPR Coach.

Precourse Work
Instructor-led courses now include precourse work. Students review course content through online interactive videos before entering the classroom. Video lessons cover multiple medical subjects to prepare students for the course. Each lesson includes questions to engage students. This format allows more classroom time for hands-on skills training and leads to students being better prepared to participate as soon as they enter the classroom.

Pre briefing
In the 2020 ACLS Provider Course, Instructors conduct a briefing with students immediately before the start of each simulation. The pre-briefing goals are to establish a positive learning environment and provide information about the session to students. Also, teams will set goals for the case and discuss their briefing goals during the debriefing. This will prepare students for success in the course.

CPR Coach
The CPR Coach is a new role within the resuscitation team. The CPR Coach role is designed to promote the delivery of high-quality CPR and allow the Team Leader to focus on other cardiac arrest care elements, coordinate the various team members’ assigned tasks, and ensure that clinical care is delivered according to AHA guidelines.

Skills Testing
High-Quality BLS Skills Testing
• Focuses on continuous chest compressions

Megacode Testing
• Assesses students as a team
• Set goals related to chest compression fraction and teamwork

Provider Manual Updates
• Highlights 2 main themes: preventing arrest and high-performance teams
• New information under “Cardiac Arrest: Selected Special Situations”o Maternal cardiac arrest
⇒ Ventricular assist devices
• Revised illustrations
• CPR Coach
• Expanded information on high-performance teams

In the new ACLS Provider ILT Course, precourse work is completed before the course so that students are prepared for the course at a Training Center. Precourse work includes the mandatory Precourse Self-Assessment, followed by video lessons.

• Core concepts are presented online through interactive video lessons. Video lessons are completed before coming to class. Then Instructors lead discussions and case-based scenarios around a manikin during class.
• The Instructor coaches students by using a feedback device as they practice CPR and ventilation skills.
• The Instructor monitors as each student/team demonstrates skills proficiency as outlined in the skills testing checklist.
• Students take the ACLS Provider Course Exam exam to confirm their understanding of core concepts.

The students will complete online video lessons (precourse work) before coming to class. The course is designed to give students the opportunity
to practice and demonstrate proficiency in the following skills used in resuscitation:
• Systematic approach (assessment)
• High-quality BLS
• Airway management
• Rhythm recognition

• Defibrillation
• Intravenous (IV)/intraosseous (IO) access (information only)
• Use of medications
• Cardioversion
• Transcutaneous pacing
• High-performance teams.

The ACLS Course is designed for healthcare professionals who either direct or participate in managing cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies. This includes personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care, and critical care units such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, and others who need an ACLS course completion card for job or other requirements.

Providers who take the ACLS Course must be proficient in the following:
• Performing high-quality BLS skills according to the current AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC
• Reading and interpreting electrocardiograms (ECGs)
• Understanding ACLS pharmacology
• Providing bag-mask ventilation

The Precourse Self-Assessment is an online tool that evaluates a student’s knowledge in 3 sections: rhythm recognition, pharmacology, and practical application. Students complete the assessment before the course to help evaluate their proficiency and determine the need for additional review and practice. All students must complete the Precourse Self-Assessment and achieve a score of at least 70% before taking the ACLS Course. Students must print their successful scoring report and bring it with them to class.