Module 1: Introduction to the AHA Training Network & Core Principles

AHA Mission & Guiding Philosophy

The **American Heart Association (AHA)** is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Our mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. This single purpose drives all we do, including our global efforts to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases and stroke by collaborating with international partners, leveraging our network of training centers, and transferring proven programs and strategies.

The **Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) Guiding Philosophy** aims to:

• Improve the Chain of Survival in every community.
• Increase quality and timeliness of materials.
• Identify and expand training.
• Document effectiveness.
• Improve efficiency.

Our goal is to be the world's premier resuscitation organization, serving as a critical leader in the discovery, processing, and transfer of resuscitation science, focusing on maximizing survival from life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies.

The AHA Training Network Structure

The AHA Training Network includes **Training Centers (TCs)**, **Training Sites (TSs)**, **TC Coordinators (TCCs)**, and **Instructors**. This structure ensures the widespread and quality delivery of ECC courses.

Figure: Representation of the AHA Training Network structure. (Note: Replace with actual image if available)

The Role of the Training Center (TC)

TCs are the backbone of the AHA's training delivery, responsible for:

• Oversight of all aligned Instructors and Training Sites.
• Ensuring the administration and quality of all ECC courses.
• Providing consistent and timely communication of new or updated policies, procedures, and course content to aligned Instructors and TSs.
• Serving as the principal resource for information, support, and quality control.

**TC Criteria:** The AHA considers several factors for TC approval and continuation, including supporting the AHA mission, training needs of the area, conflicts of interest, eligible Instructors, general liability insurance, and maintaining internet access with a current email address.

Key Training Center Staffing Roles

• Training Center Coordinator (TCC): The primary contact between the TC and AHA, responsible for management and storage of records, security and distribution of cards/exams, managing Instructors and TSs, and appointing Training Faculty. TCCs must participate in an orientation webinar and keep Instructor profiles updated.
• AHA Training Faculty (TF): Conduct Instructor Essentials courses, monitor, update, and coach Instructors. Each TC must appoint at least one TF in each discipline it teaches. TF status is an internal appointment and does not transfer between TCs.
• Mentors: Bring skills, experience, and knowledge to build resource capacity and improve CPR training quality, particularly by mentoring new TCCs.

Instructor Core Competencies

All AHA Instructors are expected to demonstrate proficiency in five core competencies:

• Skills: Mastery in all skills for the courses they teach (cognitive and psychomotor).
• Course Delivery: Teach AHA materials correctly and as outlined in manuals and lesson plans.
• Testing: Effectively test students.
• Professionalism: Maintain a high standard of ethics and professionalism.
• Program Administration: Manage time, space, materials, and paperwork in compliance with AHA guidelines.

The Program Administration Manual (PAM)

The **PAM** is your comprehensive guide to the rules, regulations, and requirements for Instructors, TCs, Faculty members, and all individuals involved in AHA ECC programs. It covers all aspects of program administration and training.

The PAM provides overall rules and guidance on topics such as:

• TC organization and roles.
• TC policies and procedures (e.g., managing records, course completion card management, course fees, materials, equipment).
• Instructor alignment.
• Conflict of interest and ethics policies.
• Course information (e.g., course equipment, provider course instructors, exams, skills testing).

The AHA Instructor Network

The **AHA Instructor Network** (www.ahainstructornetwork.org) is an essential online community and resource hub for the AHA Training Network. All AHA Instructors are required to join it.

It contains a wealth of information, including:

• Science updates and information on how to order materials.
• Your unique **Instructor ID Number** once your TC approves your alignment.
• Electronic versions of course rosters, evaluations, and skills testing checklists.
• Information on continuing education credit for classroom courses.
• Access to the PAM and other electronic resources like ECC Training Bulletins, Training Memos, and issues of ECC Beat.
• The "Find a Course" tool for US TCs to list courses to the public.

Conflict of Interest Policy

The AHA has a strict **Conflict of Interest Policy** that applies to all Training Center roles. This policy requires TCCs, personnel, Training Sites, and Instructors to avoid any conflict between their personal, professional, or business interests and those of the AHA.

If you have a direct or indirect interest in any transaction with the AHA, you must:

• Give notice of such interest or relationship.
• Refrain from discussing or voting on the transaction.
• Avoid exerting any influence on the AHA's decision regarding the transaction.

**Regional Application:** When impartiality is not possible, a statement of conflict of interest must be made and recorded, and the individual may need to recuse themselves from the decision-making process.

Ethics/Code of Conduct

The AHA's **Ethics Policy** applies to all AHA leaders, TCs, and Instructors, who are expected to exhibit a high standard of conduct. The **ECC Leadership Code of Conduct** outlines these standards:

• Competence: Demonstrate knowledge in your area of responsibility and maintain prerequisites.
• Respect for Others: Treat everyone fairly, regardless of protected characteristics. Zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
• Integrity: Conduct yourself with honesty, fairness, and trustworthiness; avoid false or misleading statements. Adhere to all AHA rules and regulations, and federal, state, and local laws.
• Neutrality: Maintain neutrality regarding specific proprietary products or brand names and avoid negative descriptions of other professionals or organizations. Use generic names for drugs and devices whenever possible.

Legal Aspects: Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

Each TC is responsible for complying with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including the **ADA of 1990, as amended**.

Trademarks

The AHA's stylized name and heart-and-torch logo are registered trademarks. Only the AHA may use these trademarks. TCs may use an authorized TC logo if it meets the requirements outlined in the "Authorized TC Seal - Guidelines for Use" on Atlas. Advertising and announcements for AHA courses must state that it is an AHA course but should not imply AHA sponsorship, ownership, or management of the TC. Instructors may not use "AHA Instructor" title on business cards or other advertising materials.

Managing Records Overview

TCs must maintain required documents, whether hard copy or electronic, for at least **3 years** after the date of action (e.g., 3 years past the last day of the course). Electronic records should be backed up with a data recovery system and be printable.

Required documents include:

• General liability insurance documentation.
• Agendas for each course.
• Written policies and procedures for:
  • Equipment/manikin maintenance and decontamination.
  • Internal TC dispute resolution.
  • Training Site management/relations.
  • Card maintenance and issuance.

Course Files: TCs must maintain completed course rosters, dispute resolution documentation, course evaluations (original or summary), and student exam answer sheets/skills performance sheets for those not meeting requirements. For eLearning, skill session paperwork, certificates of completion for online portions, and evaluations for hands-on sessions are required.

Instructor and TF Records: Maintain files and documentation for all course activity for aligned Instructors, including candidate applications, monitoring forms, renewal checklists, and transfer requests.

Dispute Resolution / Disciplinary Action

It is primarily the **TC's responsibility** to manage and resolve disputes, complaints, or problems arising from activities conducted by its staff, TSs, and aligned Instructors. The AHA expects TCs to proactively manage all complaints.

The AHA will **only investigate** if one or more of the following is involved:

• Course content/curriculum.
• Instructor qualifications.
• AHA administrative policies and procedures.
• AHA ECC science issues.
• AHA TC Agreement and program guidelines (note: AHA is not obligated to use this process if TC breaches the Agreement).

AHA Dispute Resolution Process: Upon receipt of a written complaint, an investigation begins. The TCC will be contacted, asked to provide a written Action Plan within 5 days, and then a final report within a defined timeline. Failure to resolve may result in escalation and breach of contract.

AHA ECC Classroom-Based Course Criteria

For a course to be referred to as an AHA course and for a completion card to be issued, it must meet these criteria:

• Taught by a current AHA-recognized Instructor (Specialty Faculty can assist, but don't count towards ratios).
• Taught according to guidelines and core curriculum in current AHA course textbook(s) and/or Instructor Manual(s). Additions outside core curriculum are permissible if they don't interrupt flow.
• Each student must have the current appropriate course textbook readily available.
• Current edition of AHA course materials and exams must be used.
• Appropriate AHA course completion card must be issued after successful completion.
• A course evaluation form must be used to obtain feedback.
• No changes or deletions to the core curriculum are permitted; doing so makes the course non-compliant.

Course Equipment

Equipment required is listed in the course-specific Instructor Manual and must be in proper working order and good repair.

Copyright of AHA Materials

The AHA owns copyrights to its ECC training materials. These may not be copied, in whole or in part, without prior written consent. Requests for permission must be submitted in writing to the AHA.

Quality Assurance

Quality assurance is crucial for an effective ECC training program. The TC is responsible for the quality of its courses and its compliance with AHA policies and guidelines.