Dear Heart and Stroke Foundation Resuscitation Instructors/Instructor-Candidates
We are very pleased that so many of you were able to join us for our webcast of the 2015 Guidelines Update, held on October 15.
The recorded webcast is available for you to view at www.heartandstroke.ca/guidelines2015, along with key information on the science behind the guidelines. You'll also be able to access FAQs on the science, and questions that were asked during and following the live webcast.
What's next?
Are you ready to bring the 2015 Guidelines Update into your classroom?
Before you begin, you'll need to complete the Instructor Guidelines Update.
We have made the process as easy as possible. You won't need to budget any time to travel and attend an in-person class - you can take the 2015 Instructor Guidelines Update right from your desktop/laptop or mobile device. It is a self-serve, online process that you can complete anywhere.
This Update is Phase 1 of a two-part process, and will familiarize you with the changes to the science of resuscitation and the rationale for the changes. Once updated you will be able to access Interim Training Tools that will give you a head start on teaching to the 2015 Guidelines while using existing 2010 materials.
Phase 2 (Spring 2016) will introduce you to our new suite of Training Materials. In Phase 2 we will walk you through how to use these newly-redesigned materials in your teaching. We'll share more information on Phase 2 as it becomes available.
The Phase 1 Instructor Guideline Update will open on November 27. You will have until February 29, 2016 - to complete this phase of the update.
What will the Phase 1 Instructor Guideline Update entail?
The Update consists of a series of videos including:
- An orientation to the process, and an important general overview
- A set of discipline-specific update videos (you will need to view each of the videos that pertain to the disciplines you are registered to teach), and
- A next steps video that will contain Instructions on how to ensure your Update status is recorded on your HSF Portal account
Upon completing review of these video elements, and familiarizing yourself with the new science and how it will be applied in the classroom, you will be provided with access to the Interim Training Tools.
How do I find the Instructor Guideline Update section on the portal?
From November 27th through January 31st , every time you log in to the portal, you will be directed to the Instructor Guidelines Update page.
During this time, to make the process as flexible as possible, we've designed it so that you can choose to start the Update immediately, or you can conveniently defer it until later. You can complete the Update all at once, or break it out into sessions that best fit your schedule. Beginning February 1, you will need to complete the Instructor Guidelines Update, before you can access portal functionality.
The earlier you update, the sooner you will get access to the Interim Training Tools and can begin teaching to the new Guidelines.
Important Dates
- Nov. 27, 2015 - Instructor Guidelines Update opens
- Beginning February 1, when you log on, your access to the portal will be limited until you complete the Phase 1 Update (i.e. you will no longer be allowed to defer the update). Full functionality will be restored to your account once the Instructor Guidelines Update is complete.
- On February 29, Instructors who have not yet completed the Phase 1 Update will have their status set to inactive. You will have to complete the Phase 1 Update and pay a re-instatement fee of $25.00+tax to reactivate your portal account.
We hope that this new process provides you with flexibility combined with the great content that you expect from the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Watch your inbox for more information - and Get with the Guidelines!
What about First Aid Courses - will this be included in the Guidelines Update?
Preparing the Instructor Guidelines Update for First Aid is still underway. To assist in this process we have convened the Canadian Guidelines Consensus Task Force which is comprised of representatives from the following training organizations:
- Heart and Stroke Foundation
- Red Cross
- St John Ambulance
- Lifesaving Society, and
- Canadian Ski Patrol
The purpose of this task force is to review the new science and best practice recommendations as they apply to first aid. This will ensure consensus on the interpretation of the guidelines and their suitability for use in Canada. This task force will then make recommendations which will be used by each agency in developing their own materials and instructor updates. Agencies may release bridging materials as an interim measure until final products are available.
If you have any questions, please contact the Resuscitation Support Centre, Email: [email protected]
Toll free: 1-877-473-0333