Hello,

We hope this email finds you and your loved ones in good spirits and health. We continue to monitor the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and remain committed to the safety and well-being of everyone we work with.

As this situation evolves, we are now recommending that our instructor network postpone classes if you have not already done so . Our decisions about our training programs are being made with yours and your students’ best interest in mind. We recognize the implications of this recommendation and we are keeping track of your questions and preparing answers to help you in your role as instructors or students. To this end, we have updated the original FAQ. We are working on guidance regarding grace periods for certifications and monitoring. We will share an email about this in the next couple of days. We encourage you to check our portal for new information frequently. The FAQ is a dynamic document, updated as new information becomes available. The FAQ in its entirety can be found at: 

- CPR.heartandstroke.ca : COVID-19 FAQs

More useful links can be found at:
- CPR.heartandstroke.ca: Heart & Stroke update on COVID-19

FAQs continued

Q: Does Heart & Stroke recommend classes be put on hold temporarily?

A: Yes – we recommend that our instructor network postpone classes if you have not already done so. However, we recognize it is critical for some organizations to maintain their current training schedules as CPR is a life-saving skill. If postponing training is not possible, we require instructors and participants to implement the additional personal protective equipment measures (outlined in the network communication on Friday, March 13, 2020, and below) and adhere to existing Heart & Stroke IRRP requirements for equipment decontamination during training sessions as outlined in Section 3.1: Pre-Course Precautions (beginning on page 38 of the manual).

The choice to continue training is ultimately up to the instructors and training institutions. Instructors must follow the direction from their local provincial and regulatory bodies as well as their employers (if applicable).

Q: If an instructor feels it is not safe to complete a specific skill during the course as it may increase a student's exposure to COVID-19, can we skip this skill and still provide the student with a course completion card?

A: No – Heart & Stroke requires all students receiving a course completion card to meet all learning objectives, as outlined in each discipline's Instructor Manual . If an instructor feels they are unable to have students perform a specific skill without exposure risk, the instructor should postpone the course. 

Instructors must ensure the safety of all students during a course, as outlined in the IRRP safety and decontamination recommendations in Section 3.1: Pre-Course Precautions, beginning on page 38 of the manual, with the additional recommendations for safety (outlined in the network communication on Friday, March 13, 2020, and below).

Q: How can I maintain and practice my current skills? 

A: Keep your cognitive knowledge refreshed by:
  • Reviewing available resources like your current Heart & Stroke provider manuals in print or digital.
  • Reviewing resources such as the ACLS and PALS pre-course assessments available on the program tab on the resuscitation portal.
  • If you previously completed BLS Blended Learning, you can review the online component and the digital provider manual.
  • Coming soon: Check out the free Resuscitation Skills Test to freshen up and test your skill level on the latest in resuscitation science.

Q: What are the additional requirements for instructors to implement in courses to protect students during this pandemic? 

A: Instructors must ensure the safety of all students during a course, as outlined in the IRRP safety and decontamination recommendations in Section 3.1: Pre-Course Precautions, beginning on page 38 of the manual, with the additional recommendations for safety (outlined in the network communication on Friday, March 13, 2020, and below).

During this time, in addition to standard safety and decontamination requirements found in the IRRP, we require all Heart & Stroke instructors to implement the following: 

  • Instructors should decontaminate the mannequin after each course participant practices or tests on the mannequin using an alcohol-based solution.  
  • Face shields should not be used, and direct mouth-to-mannequin ventilations should not be practiced. 
  • Each course participant must be provided with a new or sanitized pocket mask and a new single use one-way valve when practicing or testing one-rescuer skills. Pocket masks should not be shared during the course and instructors are not to sterilize one-way valves for reuse.  
  • Bag-valve masks (BVMs) should be used when practicing two-rescuer skills, and participants should wear gloves and clean BVMs between practices with an alcohol-based solution. When possible, mannequins should be spaced at least 1 meter (3 feet) apart during training, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidance on social distancing.  
  • Instructors and participants must wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after the course, before and after snack or meal breaks during instruction, and after any absence from the classroom.


If you have questions, please contact your provincial RPM or the Resuscitation Support Centre between 8 am - 6 pm EST.
1-877-473-0333

This is a moment in time – an unprecedented one – but it will pass. And we will get through it, together because we are partners in education and learning.

Take care, stay healthy and stay in touch, 

Heart & Stroke Resuscitation Team
Have questions? Contact the Resuscitation Support Centre.
1-877-473-0333

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