2020 Instructor Renewal

F-M Ambulance Training Center Members

If you are interested in continuing with our training center, you will need to attend one (1) of the upcoming renewal dates. Register on Sanford Success Center (links below).

• BLS Only, you may register here.

• BLS and ACLS/PALS, you may register here.

• Sanford EMS: Check your email for Internal Renewal sessions.

• Internal Sanford Employees: Your AHA training site coordinator will be in contact with you.

Prior to attending your session, please log into the AHA Instructor Network and verify that your contact information is up-to-date. If you do not remember you username and/or password, you will need to contact the Technical Support for the American Heart Association.

At your renewal session, you will complete the following:

• Pay your dues ($65.00 per instructor)
• Update your Instructor Profile
• Complete your Instructor Agreement
• Complete the discipline(s) specific written exam(s)
• Perform discipline specific provider skills
• Conduct skills evaluation of a peer
• Complete device specific training

Thank you,

Tyler DeKrey                                 Carmen Wang                                  Ron Lawler
Training Center Coordinator         Training Center Support                   Director of Education
701.364.1729                                701.364.1758                                   701.364.1754tyler.dekrey@sanfordhealth.org   carmen.wang@sanfordhealth.org    ron.lawler@sanfordhealth.org

2019 Instructor Renewal

F-M Ambulance TC Members,


I hope you all had a good 2018! It is that time of year to complete Instructor Renewal for our Training Center. You will not be required to come in for renewal sessions this year. Instead, we would like you to update everything online.
Please complete the steps below. (These must be completed by all instructors to continue with our Training Center)

1. Update your Instructor Profile
2. Complete 2019 Instructor Agreement
• External Instructors
• Internal (FMA/SHEMSE) Instructors
3. Pay your due ($65.00 per instructor), contact Carmen for payment
• Credit Card via phone
• Cash or Credit Card in person
• Check
4. Verify/Update Instructor Network
• Log into the AHA Instructor Network, www.ahainstructornetwork.org, and verify that your instructor and contact information is up-to-date.  If you do not remember your username and/or password you will need to contact the Technical Support for the American Heart Association and they will assist you.

Email completed forms to tyler.dekrey@sanfordhealth.org , fax them to 701-364-1760 , or mail them to us.


Please have all forms and dues submitted by Friday, 1-25-2019.


Thank you,


Tyler DeKrey                                 Carmen Wang                                  Ron Lawler
Training Center Coordinator          Training Center Support                  Director of Education
701.364.1729                                  701.364.1758                                   701.364.1754
tyler.dekrey@sanfordhealth.org     carmen.wang@sanfordhealth.org    ron.lawler@sanfordhealth.org

2018 Focused Updates for ACLS and PALS

Dear AHA Training Network & Volunteers, Today, in cooperation with the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), the AHA published the 2018 AHA Focused Updates on Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (2018 Focused Updates). The 2018 Focused Updates represent our move to a continuous evidence evaluation process and more frequent focused updates. Continuous evidence evaluation allows the rigor of a comprehensive review and expert consensus in as close to real time as possible. Prior to 2017, the official AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC had been updated every five years. Updates include the following: Amiodarone or lidocaine may be considered for Ventricular Fibrillation/pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VF/pVT) that is unresponsive to defibrillation. These drugs may be particularly useful for patients with witnessed arrest, for whom time to drug administration may be shorter. Lidocaine has been added to the ACLS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm and the ACLS Cardiac Arrest Circular Algorithm for treatment of shock-refractory VF/pVT. The routine use of Magnesium for cardiac arrest is not recommended in adult patients. Magnesium may be considered for torsades de pointes (i.e., polymorphic VT associated with long QT interval).   There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the routine use of a β-blocker early (within the first hour) after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).   There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the routine use of lidocaine early (within the first hour) after ROSC. In the absence of contraindications, the prophylactic use of lidocaine may be considered in specific circumstances (such as during emergency medical services transport) when treatment of recurrent VF/pVT might prove to be challenging.   While there are no changes to the depiction of sequences and therapies from the 2015 PALS algorithm, some minor edits have been made to the PALS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm in 2018 to be consistent with language in the ACLS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm. For the 2018 Focused Updates, there will be no changes to products and no new materials are required. However, the AHA offers the following guidance for training ACLS and PALS providers: Instructors may allow students to practice using either amiodarone or lidocaine during CPR in ACLS, ACLS EP, and PALS courses, consistent with the student’s local protocol. For testing purposes, AHA Instructors will continue to use the ACLS and PALS Skills Testing Checklists and the Skills Testing Critical Skills Descriptors. For more information, AHA Instructors should visit the AHA Instructor Network (News & Archives section) to review the document, “2018 Focused Updates: Implications for Training ACLS and PALS Providers,” and the FAQ. International users also may view translated tools at cprverify.org. To view the 2018 Focused Updates and the highlights of the 2018 Focused Updates, please visit the ECC Guidelines website. Thank you for everything you do to contribute to the mission of saving lives. Sincerely, AHA CPR & ECC

qCPR Requirement - Reminder

This is a reminder that all adult CPR manikins are required to have feedback by January 31st, 2019. We have started the process of purchasing upgrade kits for our manikins at F-M Ambulance. In doing so, we have found that there is already a significant delay in shipment. I recommend ordering upgrade kits or replacement manikins sooner rather than later.


I have placed links to qCPR distributors on the main page of our blog (on the left side panel). You can follow this link to read more about the requirements.


Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions. I will be more than happy to assist you. This is a big change for all.


Tyler DeKrey
AHA/NAEMT Coordinator, EVDT
Sanford Health EMS Education
701-364-1729
tyler.dekrey@sanfordhealth.org




Goodbye Paper Cards

F-M Ambulance TC Members,




We have completed the renewal process for our Training Center. This means that we are no longer allowed to issue paper course completion cards.


Please destroy any remaining, unused paper cards you may have. The AHA will no longer accept them from our TC.




Here is a link to a form that you can hand out to students: eCard Instruction Form

• This will walk them through the process of claiming their eCard.
• This form can also be found under the 'eCard Information' tab.

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding eCards. I will be more than happy to help.




Thank you,


Tyler DeKrey
AHA/NAEMT Coordinator
Sanford Health EMS Education
tyler.dekrey@sanfordhealth.org
701-364-1729

December 15, 2017

Dear F-M Ambulance TC Members,

It’s hard to believe that it is already Training Center (TC) renewal time!  If you are interested in continuing with us, you will need to register to attend one (1) of the upcoming renewal session dates that can be found on Sanford Success Center.  Be sure to select the appropriate session for the instructor discipline(s) that you will be renewing.  Some dates will be covering BLS ONLY and some will cover ALS (ACLS & PALS) in addition to BLS. 

If you will be renewing for BLS Only you may register here. 

If you will be renewing BLS, ACLS and/or PALS you may register here.

At your renewal session, you will complete the following: pay your dues ($65.00 per instructor); update your instructor profile; complete an instructor agreement; successfully complete the discipline(s) specific written exam(s); successfully perform discipline specific provider skills; and complete device specific training.  Instructors will also be conducting the provider skills evaluation of a peer to allow the Training Center Faculty the opportunity to monitor instructor performance.

Prior to attending your session, please log into the AHA Instructor Network, www.ahainstructornetwork.org, and verify that your instructor and contact information is up-to-date.  If you do not remember your username and/or password you will need to contact the Technical Support for the American Heart Association and they will assist you.

Just a reminder that the price of eCards has changed: $6.50 per BLS eCard; $18.50 per Heartsaver eCard; and $8.25 per ACLS/PALS eCard.

All instructors are required to attend a renewal session.  If you do not attend a renewal session you will not have access to the online database and we will assume that you no longer want to be affiliated with the  Sanford Health EMS Education TC.

Thank you,

Kelly Wanzek                                 Carmen Wang                                  Ron Lawler
Training Center Coordinator          Training Center Support                  Director of Education
701.364.1750                                  701.364.1758                                   701.364.1754
kelly.wanzek@sanfordhealth.org   carmen.wang@sanfordhealth.org    ron.lawler@sanfordhealth.org

AHA Price Increase

10/3/2017

Dear Training Center Instructors,

It is with extreme disappointment in the American Heart Association that I must inform you of an immediate increase in all Heartsaver level provider eCards.  The increase from $6.50 per eCard to $18.50 per eCard will be effective immediately, October 3, 2017. 

We were notified this morning at 8:31am through an email from the American Heart Association that this change would take place effective immediately.  We received no warning or even rumor that this would be occurring.

I am including the email notification that we received:

            Dear US AHA Training Network who deliver Heartsaver Courses,

We are excited to implement changes designed to enhance the quality and value of our programs and services as we continually strive to better serve students by giving them increased access to the AHA's Heartsaver student workbooks, eBooks, and online courses.

What You Need to Know
Beginning October 3, 2017, the AHA's suggested retail price (SRP) of the Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED, CPR AED, First Aid, and Pediatric First Aid CPR AED student course completion cards/eCards will be increased, while the SRP of related student online courses and student workbooks/eBooks will be reduced. The shift is designed to make the student workbooks more accessible as a valuable reference tool before, during, and after training as required by the AHA Program Administration Manual.

Because of the unique characteristics of the AHA's non-healthcare (or lay provider) Training Network in the United States, the changes are confined to Heartsaver English student materials only.

The course curriculum will remain the same, and will continue to adhere to the 2015 AHA Guidelines Update for CPR and ECC.

We are currently exploring alternative options for the delivery of lay rescuer level courses.  Until a comparable, cost effective alternative can be found, we will continue to offer the Heartsaver level courses through the American Heart Association. 

At this time the AHA has stated that “these changes are for Heartsaver/lay rescuer products only.  At this time, there will be no changes to the AHA’s healthcare provider training materials.”  While we recognize this provides little comfort we will continue to do our best to seek solutions that are both high quality as well as fiscally responsible. 

Due to the extreme increase in price we will be adjusting the online ordering quantities to increments of 5.  We will be working to make updates to our website in a timely manner.

Please accept our sincerest apologies.  We are very sympathetic to your concerns, as we are experiencing them alongside you.

Apologetically,

Kelly Wanzek                                   

TC Coordinator                                

kelly.wanzek@sanfordhealth.org  

Carmen Wang  

Administrative Assistant

carmen.wang@sanfordhealth.org           

Ron Lawler

Director of Education  

ron.lawler@sanfordhealth.org  

To register for our FINAL eCard training please visit http://sanfordhealthemseducation.org/registration and select eCard Training under Other.  You will be redirected to our registration system where you can select the date of Friday, March 10^th from 1-3pm. 

We are only issuing eCards from now forward.

Please contact us with any questions.

Thanks,

Kelly & Carmen

The 2017 Instructor Profile can be found under the Instructor Resources tab, or by clicking on this link.

February 10, 2017

Dear F-M Ambulance TC Members,

It’s hard to believe that it is already Training Center (TC) renewal time! Please pay your dues ($65.00 per instructor) by March 15. You also need update your instructor profile at that time.

There are still a couple of you who were not able to attend an eCard training. You must contact the TC immediately to schedule training in order to continue to teach courses and issue completion cards.  We will only be issuing eCards from now forward.

Just a reminder that the price of cards has changed: $6.50 per BLS eCard (effective July 1, 2016) and $8.25 per ACLS/PALS card (effective January 1, 2017). 

If your instructor card is expiring, you need to schedule a time to come in and complete a didactic and psychomotor check off.  This can be coordinated through Carmen.

Thank you,

Kelly Wanzek                                            Carmen Wang                                                Ron Lawler
Training Center Coordinator                  Training Center Support                               Director of Education
701.364.1750                                           701.364.1758                                                 701.364.1754
kelly.wanzek@sanfordhealth.org          carmen.wang@sanfordhealth.org             ron.lawler@sanfordhealth.org 

Greetings Instructors!

Just a reminder of the notice you were sent earlier this year!  There are only 2 dates left to register and complete this training.  All instructors are REQUIRED to complete this training and space is limited!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Thanks,

Kelly & Carmen

The F-M Ambulance Training Center (TC) will be making a switch to eCards.  An eCard is the electronic equivalent of a printed course completion card.  eCards are valid course completion cards and can be presented to employers as proof of successful completion of an AHA course.  Like printed cards, eCards also expire two years from the issue date.

We began piloting the use of eCards in April to ensure that it would be a valid option for the participants that are receiving them.  We have found many benefits for both the instructor and the participant.  Some of the benefits of transitioning to eCards include:

•          Higher security and reduced risk for the AHA Training Center (TC)
•          Added efficiency for TC Coordinators (TCCs) and Instructors
•          Ability for TCCs and Instructors to issue eCards to students
•          Faster issuance of eCards to students
•          Ability to validate an eCard through the AHA website atwww.heart.org/cpr/mycards to prove it was issued by a valid TC and instructor aligned with that TC (currently, that function requires a call to the TCC if the TC is known; if not, it may not be an authentic AHA course completion card)

To assist in the transition, each instructor must attend a TC eCard Training.  The enrollment is limited per session, so be sure to sign-up early.  The official date that all instructors will be required to transition to eCards is January 1, 2017.  For those of you that are excited about eCards and don’t want to wait until January, you don’t have to!  Once an instructor has attended the training they are eligible to transition to eCards! 

Upcoming training dates and times are:

•          September 16, 2016 – 1pm-3pm
•          October 13, 2016 – 3pm-5pm
•          November 7, 2016 – 10am-12pm
•          December 2, 2016 – 1pm-3pm
•          December 8, 2016 – 1pm-3pm
•          January 4, 2017 – 10am-12pm

Please plan to attend the entire two hour training session.  You can register for these sessions at http://sanfordhealthemseducation.org/registration and selecting eCard Training under Other.  You will be redirected to our registration system where you can select the date and time that works best for you. 

We look forward to working with you during this transition to provide a timelier and secure service to our students.  

If you have additional questions, please contact myself or Carmen.

Greetings Instructors!

The F-M Ambulance Training Center (TC) will be making a switch to eCards.  An eCard is the electronic equivalent of a printed course completion card.  eCards are valid course completion cards and can be presented to employers as proof of successful completion of an AHA course.  Like printed cards, eCards also expire two years from the issue date.

We began piloting the use of eCards in April to ensure that it would be a valid option for the participants that are receiving them.  We have found many benefits for both the instructor and the participant.  Some of the benefits of transitioning to eCards include:

•          Higher security and reduced risk for the AHA Training Center (TC)
•          Added efficiency for TC Coordinators (TCCs) and Instructors
•          Ability for TCCs and Instructors to issue eCards to students
•          Faster issuance of eCards to students
•          Ability to validate an eCard through the AHA website at www.heart.org/cpr/mycards to prove it was issued by a valid TC and instructor aligned with that TC (currently, that function requires a call to the TCC if the TC is known; if not, it may not be an authentic AHA course completion card)

To assist in the transition, each instructor must attend a TC eCard Training.  The enrollment is limited per session, so be sure to sign-up early.  The official date that all instructors will be required to transition to eCards is January 1, 2017.  For those of you that are excited about eCards and don’t want to wait until January, you don’t have to!  Once an instructor has attended the training they are eligible to transition to eCards! 

Upcoming training dates and times are:

•          September 16, 2016 – 1pm-3pm
•          October 13, 2016 – 3pm-5pm
•          November 7, 2016 – 10am-12pm
•          December 2, 2016 – 1pm-3pm
•          December 8, 2016 – 1pm-3pm
•          January 4, 2017 – 10am-12pm

Please plan to attend the entire two hour training session.  You can register for these sessions at http://sanfordhealthemseducation.org/registration and selecting eCard Training under Other.  You will be redirected to our registration system where you can select the date and time that works best for you. 

We look forward to working with you during this transition to provide a timelier and secure service to our students. 

If you have additional questions, please contact myself or Carmen.

Thank you,

Kelly Wanzek                                                                               Carmen Wang
Kelly.Wanzek@fmambulance.com                                          Carmen.Wang@fmambulance.com

G2015 Heartsaver ILT  is now available!

Transition to 2016 Heartsaver Courses & Materials - Effective June 28, 2016, only new course materials can be used for conducting all Heartsaver courses.

Training Centers and Instructors may continue to use previous stock and all Heartsaver interim materials posted on the AHA Instructor Network through June 27, 2016. Appropriate course completion cards must be issue for the course materials being used. Please review the official Heartsaver Training Memo for additional information.

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here. To ensure proper delivery of future American Heart Association emails, please click here.

RESOURCES FOR BLS & HEARTSAVER INSTRUCTORS: Order Heartsaver Course Materials through your AHA Distributor Visit the Heartsaver page on the AHA Instructor Network to: • View & download free Heartsaver First Aid and CPR AED Course Resources   • View the official Heartsaver Training Memo   • View the Frequently Asked Questions for 2016 Heartsaver First Aid and CPR AED Courses ATTACHED !     Heartsaver® First Aid and CPR AED Instructor-Led Training Materials Now Available! Heartsaver courses are designed to prepare students to provide first aid, CPR,  and automated external defibrillator (AED) use in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Heartsaver courses are designed for anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card for job, regulatory (e.g., OSHA), or other requirements. These courses can also be taken by anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting. Get ready to teach the new Heartsaver! Before teaching the new Heartsaver First Aid and CPR AED Courses, BLS and Heartsaver Instructors must: Have completed their 2015 Guidelines Instructor Update for BLS and/or Heartsaver. Have received their 2016 Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Instructor Manual and Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Course DVD. Reviewed all new Instructor resources for conducting the Instructor-led Heartsaver First Aid and CPR AED Courses, available on the AHA Instructor Network. Heartsaver Product & Course Orientation - Available Soon Additionally, it is recommended that BLS and Heartsaver Instructors complete the Heartsaver Product & Course Orientation before teaching their first new class. This tool, designed to aid Instructors in understanding the new Heartsaver Course design, teaching strategies, and new materials, will be available soon on the AHA Instructor Network. PLEASE REVIEW: Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Instructor Manual The Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Instructor Manual (AHA product 15-1023) includes information on pages 27 and 28 that is not applicable to Heartsaver courses and should be disregarded by AHA BLS and Heartsaver Instructors. Information to disregard includes:  "Application for CE/CME," Part 3, page 27 - Heartsaver courses are not eligible for continuing education through CECBEMS "Challenge Option," Part 3, page 28 - There is no challenge option for Heartsaver courses

We are pleased to announce that materials for the AHA’s Heartsaver^® First Aid and CPR AED Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Courses, updated to reflect the 2015 AHA Guidelines Update for CPR and ECC, will be available from our AHA Distributors on Tuesday, April 26, 2016.

AHA Distributors will begin proactively marketing and accepting pre-orders for these materials at 12:01 a.m., CST, on Wednesday, April 6.

Materials for the Heartsaver First Aid and CPR AED ILT Courses include the following:

Student Materials:

15-1018           Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Student Workbook

15-3117           Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Student eBook

15-1020           Heartsaver CPR AED Student Workbook

15-3116           Heartsaver CPR AED Student eBook

15-1021           Heartsaver First Aid Student Workbook

15-3115           Heartsaver First Aid Student eBook

15-1022           Heartsaver First Aid Quick Reference Guide

15-3118           Heartsaver First Aid Digital Quick Reference Guide

         

Instructor Materials

15-1019           Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED DVD Set

15-1023           Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Instructor Manual

15-3114           Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Instructor Manual eBook

Cards

15-1812           Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Course Completion Card (3-card sheet)

15-3002           Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED eCard

15-1810           Heartsaver CPR AED Course Completion Card (3-card sheet)

15-3004           Heartsaver CPR AED eCard

15-1811           Heartsaver First Aid Course Completion Card (3-card sheet)

15-3005           Heartsaver First Aid eCard

15-1814           Heartsaver Instructor Card

Supplemental

15-1024           Heartsaver Adult CPR AED Wallet Card

15-1025           Heartsaver Child & Infant CPR AED Wallet Card

15-1045           Heartsaver Child & Infant Choking Wallet Card

15-1030           Heartsaver Poster Pack

15-1028           Heartsaver Adult Poster Pack

15-1029           Heartsaver Child & Infant Poster Pack

15-1026           Heartsaver Adult CPR AED Poster

15-1027           Heartsaver Adult Choking Poster

Please see the attached Product Announcements for additional details. To pre-order, please contact one of our Distributors below. Also attached is the updated materials lists for 2015 Guidelines training and education products.

Channing Bete Company One Community Place South Deerfield, MA 01373 Phone: 1-800-611-6083 Fax:     1-800-499-6464 aha.channing-bete.com

Laerdal Medical Corporation 167 Myers Corners Road Wappingers Falls, NY  12590 Phone: 1-888-LMC-4AHA (562-4242) Fax:     1-800-227-1143 laerdal.com

WorldPoint, Inc. 1326 S. Wolf Road Wheeling, IL 60090 Phone: (888) 322-8350 Fax:     (888) 281-2627 WorldPoint.com

Thank you!

Dear BLS Instructors, We are pleased to announce that the BLS Product & Course Orientation (P&CO) is now available! This orientation may be accessed from the BLS Course page on the AHA Instructor Network. The AHA developed the BLS P&CO to help BLS Instructors understand the new, 2016 BLS Course design and teaching strategies, and to quickly get up to speed on the latest and most important updates to the BLS Course materials. The P&CO provides you: Information about new course materials, course curriculum updates, and how the changes impact the way you will teach the BLS Course Details, clarification, and direction on various course formats Specifics about new BLS course materials

Steps to incorporate new updates into various course settings

The AHA has released the 2015 BLS for the Healthcare Provider Exam!!!

BLS Instructors may only begin administering new exams once they

1.    Have completed their 2015 Guidelines Instructor Update for BLS.

2.    Have received their new BLS Instructor Manual. The manual covers critical information on conducting the new BLS Course, including how to administer the exam according to new science and educational principles.

Please note the following new features of the 2016 BLS Exam:

·         New exams include scenario-based questions, which challenge students to evaluate real-life situations and use critical-thinking skills to show mastery of course content.

·         Based on feedback from the AHA Training Network, exams now include both the traditional Answer Key (with page numbers for referencing correct answers) and an Annotated Answer Key. The Annotated Answer Key provides rationale for the correct answers to the exam questions, along with the highlighted correct answer and page numbers for reference.

·         Beginning with the launch of new courses updated to reflect 2015 Guidelines science and education, as part of new education methodologies, the AHA has adopted an open-resource policy for exams. This policy is described in the BLS Instructor Manual. This is another critical reason why Instructors should not administer new exams until they have received new BLS Instructor materials.

Reminder: Exam Security

Please remember, you are responsible for the security of exams.

To receive new exam, please email Kelly at kelly.wanzek@sanfordhealth.org.

Thank you,
Kelly