FAQ's
Where is my HSF ID located?
This located on the front of any of your Heart and Stroke Program Cards you have taken since April 2013. Along with your ID number it also has the date of issue and the expiry date of your course.
How do I know that I am confirmed registered for a course?
You will receive and email from HSF to the email address associated with your HSF ID. JREMS-ER will also send you a more detailed email outlining the course content, location, time, pre-course study links, payment info and cancellation policy.
I am taking a Heart and Stroke Blended Course, is the text included?
Yes, if it is a blended course (full or renewal) your text , online e-learning, and written exam are included in the program in a digital format.
I am taking a "traditional" instructor lead Heart and Stroke providers course (example BLS) where can I get a printed manual?
There are several options and locations to purchase student manuals.
ALL texts can be purchased in person at:
Dalhousie Book Store
6136 University Avenue, Halifax NS B3H 4R2
Store hours are:
9-5 Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri,
9-7 Thur,
Noon-5 Saturday,
closed Sunday
If you want to order direct from Dalhousie Book store contact:
Jim Regan 902-494-3020 jim.regan@dal.ca
Shipping is usually 2 business days, fee is approximately $15.00 Canada Post with tracking.
HEART AND STROKE PROGRAMS:
ACLS, PALS, BLS, and ECC Handbook (hardcopies or digital download) can be ordered through the Heart and Stroke Foundations online e-store "Heartshop." Click on this link to order texts and handbook:
https://www.gilmore.ca/HSFC/Guest.aspx?lang=EN
ACLS most up-to-date publication is ACLS Provider Manual (2020 Guidelines)
PALS most up-to-date publication is PALS Provider Manual (2020 Guidelines)
BLS most up-to-date publication is BLS Provider Manual (2020 Guidelines)
ECC Handbook most up-to-date publication is 2020 Guidelines (mandatory for ACLS and PALS courses)
CANADIAN PAEDIATRIC SOCIETY - NEONATAL RESUSCITATION PROGRAM:
NRP most up-to-date publication is 8th Edition
NRP Text 8th Edition can be ordered through the Canadian Paediatric Book Store https://bookstore.cps.ca
Note Course Manuals are not included in the course price.
Can I get a new copy of my ACLS, PALS, or BLS card for my employment?
Since May 1st 2015, HSF has included a downloadable PDF copy on the HSF Portal page. To access this simply visit the HSF login page at
https://cpr.heartandstroke.ca/s?language=en_US
Enter your HSF ID number or email that is associated with your account along with the password. If you have forgotten your password follow the directions on the site for password reset and access to your account. Once you are logged in you will see a list of certifications. Choose the certification you are looking for and "click" on the "certification" or the red "My Certifications Button to access the Card as PDF" link - see example below.
How long is my BLS good for?
Your Basic Life Support (BLS) is good for one year from the date issued. There is an expiry date located on your card. If you do not renewal before this date, then you are considered “expired” and will have to take the BLS course again or the BLS online challenge to participate in a renewal (see below).
I see that BLS-HCP © is now just Basic Life Support. I'm due for a renewal in my original BLS-HCP? Is a renewal possible now that the program has changed?
The HSF has a new process where you can complete your BLS in approximately half the time. There are two options to accomplish this:
(I) This BLS Renewal Process is a fast-paced course that allows the experienced BLS provider (those who are confident in their BLS skills through regular use in their work in the ED, CCU, ICU on code team, or paramedics and first responders) the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge through written and skills assessment in a concentrated program. Successful completion of this two hour 15 minute course (approximate time) allows students to renew their BLS course completion car. Your BLS must be current within the last year.
(II) You can complete the HSF BLS Renewal Prerequisite Challenge in order to attend a renewal. It is an online assessment consisting of 36 randomized, multiple choice questions designed to assess your knowledge of Heart & Stroke BLS content. A score of 84% or higher will allow you to attend the BLS Renewal course. Fee is $10 payable online. You are eligible to take the BLS Prerequisite Challenge if you are a BLS provider who has:
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A BLS or “healthcare provider (HCP)” completion card from another agency
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An expired Heart & Stroke BLS Provider course completion card
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Not taken a recent (within the past 12 months) BLS course, but you are confident in your BLS skills through regular use in your work in the ED, CCU, ICU on code team, or as a paramedic
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A current Heart & Stroke BLS Provider completion card but are uncertain of your proficiency level and wish to assess your knowledge.
For more information visit on the Prerequisite Challenge visit this link: https://cpr.heartandstroke.ca/s/article/BLS-Provider-Renewal-Prerequisite-Challenge
I have BLS from another training agency. Can I use it as a prerequisite for taking ACLS or PALS?
HSF BLS is the only BLS accepted as a prerequisite for the ALS programs. However, if you have a current HCP (Health Care Provider card) from another training agency you have a couple of options:
(A) You can take the full BLS course. In this case your BLS doesn't have to be current as it is the full course.
(B) You can complete the HSF BLS Renewal Prerequisite Challenge as long as you are an experienced provider and the certification with the different training agency is current. As outlined above, it is an online assessment consisting of 36 randomized, multiple choice questions designed to assess your knowledge of Heart & Stroke BLS content. A score of 84% or higher will allow you to attend the BLS Renewal course. Fee is $10 payable online.
For more information visit on the Prerequisite Challenge visit this link: https://cpr.heartandstroke.ca/s/article/BLS-Provider-Renewal-Prerequisite-Challenge
Do I have to have current BLS within a year to participate in ACLS or PALS?
YES - Heart and Stroke Policy mandates this nationally and is found in the Instructor Resource for Resuscitation Programs (IRRP). No other BLS is accepted. Here is the excerpt from the IRRP:
2.1.5.4 ACLS PROVIDER \ RENEWAL COURSE
• Provide evidence of successful completion of an HSFC Basic Life Support Program dated within one year prior to starting the ACLS course.
• Attend all teaching and evaluation sessions.
• Successfully complete skills evaluation using HSFC checklists
• Obtain 84% or greater on the closed-book, multiple-choice written examination.
• NEW - Complete the ACLS Online Pre-Course Self Assessment - see FAQ's above.
2.1.5.5. PALS PROVIDER \ RENEWAL COURSE
• Provide evidence of successful completion of an HSFC Basic Life Support Program dated within one year of starting the PALS course.
• Attend all teaching and evaluation sessions.
• Successfully complete the BLS skills testing requirements using HSFC checklists.
• Successfully complete the core case scenarios using the HSFC checklists.
• Obtain 84% or greater on the closed-book, multiple-choice written examination.
Does Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) replace
the pre-requisite for BLS on ALS Courses ( ACLS, PALS etc.)
Heart & Stroke had originally provided communications that the RQI BLS program was acceptable as a prerequisite for ACLS and PALS courses, however, they have acknowledged concerns surrounding significant gaps in the RQI program and are actively collaborating with the RQI Management team to address and provide clarity on these issues as quickly as possible. At this time, we have confirmed that while we wait for further direction from Heart & Stroke, at the discretion of the Instructor, we are able to accept RQI cards current within 3 months of the ACLS and PALS course, however, students will need to successfully complete the BLS skills check sheets required in your advanced course, without remediation, to continue in the advanced course. Students who have not completed the skills outlined in the skills sheets (see below) will likely not be successful in these programs and are highly encouraged to complete a Heart & Stroke BLS course prior to attending the advanced course.
We understand the frustrations and want to assure you that both RQI and Heart & Stroke are committed to addressing this matter.
I see that there is a new pre-requisite for taking ACLS. How do I access the "ACLS Online Pre-Course Self Assessment?"
Once you have purchased your ACLS Textbook, you will be able to access this new pre-requisite when taking an ACLS full or renewal course. The Pre-course Self-Assessment helps evaluate knowledge necessary to be successful in the ACLS courses and determines the need for additional review and practice. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the Pre-course Self Assessment. Once a score of 70% or higher is achieved, each student must print his or her certificate displayed on the ACLS Student Website. This certificate must be presented to the ACLS instructor before a student can take an ACLS full or renewal Course.
To access the pre-course assessment go to https://cpr.heartandstroke.ca/s/?language=en_US and log in using your Heart and Stroke ID number like the example below. Once logged in click on the top tab "Programs."
Scroll down to the Healthcare section, select Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS.) Once Clicked this will take you to the choose the ACLS Pre-course Self Assessment Page
Select Pre-Course Self Assessment. Once chosen, a separate Java Script window will run allowing access to additional resources. Scroll to the bottom as shown in the example below and click the "Launch" button to start the online pre-course self assessment.
I see that there is a new prerequisite for taking PALS. How do I access the "PALS Online Pre-Course Self Assessment?"
Once you have purchased your PALS Textbook, you will be able to access this new pre-requisite when taking an PALS full or renewal course. The PALS Pre-course Self-Assessment helps evaluate knowledge necessary to be successful in the PALS courses and determines the need for additional review and practice. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the Pre-course Self Assessment. Once a score of 70% or higher is achieved, each student must print his or her certificate displayed on the PALS Student Website. This certificate must be presented to the PALS instructor before a student can take an PALS full or renewal course.
To access the PALS pre-course self assessment go to https://cpr.heartandstroke.ca/s/pals and log in using your Heart and Stroke ID number like the example below. Once logged in click on the top tab "Programs."
Scroll down to the Healthcare section, select Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS.) Once Clicked this will take you to the choose the ACLS Pre-course Self Assessment Page
Select Pre-Course Self Assessment. Once chosen, a separate Java Script window will run allowing access to additional resources. Scroll to the bottom as shown in the example below and click the "Launch" button to start the online pre-course self assessment.
How long is ACLS and PALS good for?
Your ACLS and PALS is good for two years from the date issued. There is an expiry date located on your card. If you do not renewal before this date, then you are considered “expired” and will have to take the full course again. The October 2020 Guidelines suggest that two years is too long for a renewal if you are not actively involved in frontline care such as the ER, EMS, ICU, PICU etc. and recommend a full course rather than a renewal.
How do I access the Oct 2020 Guidelines for CPR and ECC?
These can be found at the link below along with the Canadian Webcast:
https://cpr.heartandstroke.ca/s/article/2020-Guidelines
Do you use a medical director for every ACLS and PALS Course?
YES, Whenever possible and based on availability, Dr. Ken Buchholz is the medical director for all HSFC programs offered by JREMS-ER. Whether onsite or off site, Dr. Buchholz is involved via in person, audio conference, or video conference. The ability to have a medical director is important and brings medical oversight and credibility to ensure quality education and delivery of these programs to participants.
Is there a recertification course for NRP?
Based on the review by CPS, in 2011 the renewal course was discontinued when the online pre-course study and exam (phase 1) and classroom hands on (phase 2) were put in place. This allowed participants to review the information and have more hands on experience becoming comfortable with the information. The two year period was too long a period for just a renewal, especially in low patient contact or low mock code review areas. Everyone now does the same program – pre-course study (through RQI Partners) and online exam (phase 1) plus classroom hands on with skill stations and mock scenarios (phase 2). At the end of Phase 2 you must successfully complete a Mega Code using the Basic/Essential or Advanced ISSA (Individual Integrated Skills Station Assessment Form - Canadian Adaptation found at https://cps.ca/uploads/nrp/ISSA%2C_Form%2C_Essential_and_Advanced%2C_ENG%2C_2022-01.pdf ) This in session may be recorded in situ to aid with debriefing and skill improvement.
Online NRP “certification” courses – are they CPS endorsed?
There are several websites offering NRP “certification” or “verification” cards through online courses. These “entities” are not affiliated, associated with, or connected to CPS and they have no authority from CPS to make this use of NRP or to issue cards. The cards issued by these entities are not official CPS NRP Course Completion cards. For more information visit http://www.cps.ca/nrp-prn
How do I access my Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) Certification from the Canadian Paediatric Society?
If this was your first NRP course you should have received an email from the CPS indicating you were successful with the link to access your NRP Certification. If this was not your first NRP Course and you are having trouble finding your certification, follow these instructions:
(1) Login to the NRP database here: https://www.cps.ca/en/nrp-prn/database-login. The screen should look similar to the one below.
(2) Your username is your 6-digit NRP ID Number.
(3) If you do not know your username and/or password, click “Reset/Forgot your password” and enter the email you used to register for the course.
(4) If you get a message that you are "locked out", you are in the wrong area of the CPS website. Please follow the above link directly.
(5) If your email address is still not recognized, then send a message to nrp@cps.ca.
(6) Once logged in, you can print your NRP card from the “My Records” tab.
Do you accept feedback on courses?
Absolutely! – At the end of each course we ask participants how they liked the program and what we can do to improve it. We know that sometimes participants may forget to provide us with some details. We are always looking for feedback to improve our programs. If you have a question or want to provide feedback on a course, please click the "Feedback" button below. Your feedback will be kept confidential and reviewed as such to help improve our programs. We may email you looking for more information on your feedback.
