For decades, only one major organization—the American Heart Association (AHA)—provided standardized training and certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). This changed in 2019 when the American Red Cross rolled out a suite of courses that teach the same science and skills in a more learner-centered way. Despite the broad acceptance of Red Cross certifications by national accrediting bodies, state agencies, and thousands of hospitals and clinics, some medical centers, nursing schools, and community colleges have policies that do not recognize both organizations’ certifications. This imposes an undue burden on new hires and rotating trainees who are certified by one organization but cannot start work before they are recertified by the other.

Background

From its founding in 1881 to today, the American Red Cross has taught tens of millions of Americans first aid and other lifesaving skills, including CPR. It also offers a comprehensive “CPR for the Professional Rescuer” course. In 2015, it introduced Basic Life Support (BLS) training and certification for EMS personnel. Their response was so enthusiastic that the Red Cross expanded its offerings.

After three years of curriculum development and testing, the Red Cross launched a package of courses that includes BLS, ALS, and PALS training with certification in 2019. All three leverage the latest educational methodologies.

Scientific Rigor

Red Cross resuscitation courses closely align with the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) recommendations. Major resuscitation organizations worldwide meet in this forum to share knowledge and best practices. Each year, ILCOR issues “Consensus on Science with Treatment Recommendations” (CoSTR) to its member organizations, including the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and the AHA. Because both organizations base their curricula and periodic updates on ILCOR guidance, they convey the same concepts and practice standards.

The Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council

Red Cross courses are regularly reviewed and updated by a Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) comprising 60+ nationally and internationally recognized experts from a wide range of disciplines. In addition to analyzing ILCOR updates, the SAC members consider guidance issued by the ACEP, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society of Critical Care Medicine, and other leading groups. Their findings are summarized in periodic releases entitled Focused Updates and Guidelines.

Learner-Centered Education

Red Cross training programs are designed to actively engage adult learners, reduce training time, and minimize training costs. Educational advances include the following:

• Besides instructor-led training, the Red Cross offers a blended learning option. This allows participants to access course content through their smartphone or personal computer to learn at a pace, place, and times of their choosing.
• Because the Red Cross’ online content is adaptive, participants can test out of content they already know and tailor their learning path. This can reduce an individual’s training time by up to 50 percent with no decrement in learning.
• Instead of actors, Red Cross training videos use actual physicians, nurses, and support staff to demonstrate clinical decision making and teamwork. This makes the material more relevant to health professionals.

Initial Rollout

America’s Military Health System (MHS) was the first major organization to adopt Red Cross ALS and PALS training. Initially, following an initial “beta test” with military medical students and faculty at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Md., the Defense Health Agency (DHA) convened a team of subject matter experts to systematically compare the guidance conveyed in the Red Cross curricula to that offered by the AHA. When they confirmed equivalence, the MHS formally adopted Red Cross BLS, ALS, and PALS training for relevant military and civilian personnel. The transition began in January 2019.