HeartCode ACLS is blended learning delivery method for the AHA’s ACLS Course. HeartCode blended learning delivers quality resuscitation education regardless of where providers are geographically located and gives them more control to complete the course at their own pace. Providers first complete the online portion of HeartCode ACLS, and then complete a hands-on skills session with AHA ACLS Instructors in one of our ACLS training sites.

The HeartCode course uses a personalized adaptive algorithm that sets students on the most efficient path to mastery. Students follow a continuously adapting learning path that is personalized by their own inputs: their performance and their self- reported confidence level related to each probing question.

Topics covered in this course are:

• Systems of care
• How the use of a rapid response team (RRT) or medical emergency team (MET) may improve patient outcomes
• The impact of team dynamics on overall team performance
• Effective communication as a member or leader of a high-performance team
• Prompt, high-quality BLS, including prioritizing early chest compressions and integrating early AED use
• The BLS, Primary, and Secondary Assessment sequences for a systematic evaluation of adult patients
• Early recognition and management of acute coronary syndromes
• Early recognition and management of stroke
• Recognition and early management of respiratory arrest
• Recognition and early management of bradycardia that may result in cardiac arrest or complicate resuscitation outcome
• Recognition and early management of tachycardia that may result in cardiac arrest or complicate resuscitation outcome
• Recognition and early management of cardiac arrest until termination of resuscitation or transfer of care, including immediate post-cardiac arrest care
• Evaluation of resuscitative efforts during a cardiac arrest through continuous assessment of CPR quality, monitoring the patient’s physiologic response, and delivering real-time feedback to the team

The online portion can be completed in 4-5 hours, depending on the student’s level of experience. The hands-on session for Heartcode ACLS will take approximately five  hours without breaks. Students who successfully complete all components of the course will receive an IHF/AHA ACLS Provider course completion card which is is valid for two years.