May 20, 2020
Dear Global AHA Training Network,
Beginning in early March, to provide additional flexibility for providers, AHA Instructors, and AHA Training
Centers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the AHA issued extensions for AHA Instructor and Provider cards
beyond their recommended renewal date, initially for 60 days, then to 120 days. Over the last 3 months, to
support you during this challenging time, the AHA has also released guidance on additional precautions,
options for healthcare and Heartsaver courses, CPR guidelines, just-in-time ventilation modules for
healthcare providers, and is temporarily allowing virtual training through guidance to our Training Center
Coordinators.
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves and Training Centers may be more able to return to training providers
and Instructors using options provided by the AHA, we are issuing clarification and updates for card
extensions as outlined below.
• AHA Provider and Instructor cards that expired in March and April, and those expiring at the end of
May and June can renew their card for up to 120 days from the recommended renewal date on
their card. See below for specific recommended renewal and extension dates:
Recommended Renewal Date
on Card (end of month)
New Renewal Due Date with 120-
day Extension (end of month)
March 2020
July 2020
April 2020 August 2020
May 2020
September 2020
June 2020 October 2020
• Beginning in July, we will resume normal timelines for renewing cards. Those with cards expiring
at the end of July should plan to renew their cards by the recommended renewal date on their card
(July 2020).
• However, for those who may be in affected areas with restrictions still in place into July, Training
Centers, at their discretion, may consider extending July cards past their renewal date, for no more
than 120 days.
• As always, AHA TCs are responsible for following the instructions from their local government or
public health authority as it relates to actions around COVID-19. In accordance with the guidelines
released by local government, the leadership of the TC should use discretion to evaluate the risk of
disease transmission in their area before organizing any training events and take necessary
precautions to avoid transmissions.
The AHA continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate options for delivering
resuscitation education while taking the proper precautions. Our top priority is the safety of both AHA
Instructors and learners.
We know that high-quality CPR is the primary component in influencing survival from cardiac arrest. To
save more lives, healthcare providers must be competent in delivering high-quality CPR, and patient care
teams must be coordinated and competent working together effectively. Although COVID-19 is certainly
our most immediate threat, we must remember the ever-lurking dangers of heart disease and stroke –
which, year in and year out, are the top two killers worldwide.
As a reminder, the AHA offers many options to help meet your training needs and the needs of your
learners. During this time of social distancing, our blended learning or self-directed learning may be good
options for your organization. Consider offering blended learning courses such as the AHA's HeartCode
program for BLS, ACLS, and PALS, or Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED blended learning for non-healthcare
providers. Students can complete the online portion of the course and then complete their skills session
separately when it is convenient. Self-directed learning and skills competence can be obtained with social
distancing outside the classroom with the AHA’s
HeartCode Complete and RQI (Resuscitation Quality
Improvement) programs for healthcare providers.
We remain committed to serving you as trusted resource to allow for the continuance of safe, high-quality
CPR training, as feasible. Thank you for everything you are doing during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
American Heart Association
