A letter to our students (last updated 06-09-2020)

Dear Students,

The health and well-being of our students are our primary concern. We want to reassure you that strict disinfection techniques have always been employed by our office, and we have increased our measures to provide you with a safe and clean environment when you visit us.

On 4/9/20, AHA released new COVID-19 specific guidelines for Basic and Advanced Life Support in adults, children, and neonates with suspected COVID-19. Click here and then click on PDF/EPUB to access the AHA Circulation article with updated algorithms.

First, as a provider of classes to healthcare professionals, cleanliness and disinfection have always been one of our highest priorities. Prior to the coronavirus, our classes have been conducted with a 1:1 student-to-manikin ratio and all equipment follows disinfection protocols as outlined by the American Heart Association. These protocols include disinfecting each manikin and surface after use, sanitizing face masks with bleach, and using disposable mouthpieces. In addition, hand sanitizers and face masks have been available to both our students and staff as a standard procedure.

Second, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our students and staff by increasing disinfection protocols. Here are a few steps we are taking to continue serving our students as safe as possible:

• We are following all guidance from health officials regarding enhanced cleaning and hygiene, in addition to our normal disinfection protocols.
• We have reduced all class sizes to be 8 or less and training includes practicing social distancing by spacing manikins apart by 6 feet when practical. Training will no longer be conducted on the floor - students will each have their own table and equipment to practice.
• We offer online classes with skills evaluation sessions for those who prefer to remain at our office for a shorter period of time.
• We have increased the practice of good hand hygiene by providing the use of hand sanitizer, hand washing stations, and gloves during class.
• Manikin practice sessions will no longer include practicing respirations that require direct breaths into a manikin. Students will practice with either a bag-valve-mask device or simulate giving breaths.
• We honor AHA's recommendation to extend the validity of AHA Provider cards to up to 120 days beyond its renewal date for those with cards expiring in March, April, May, or June of 2020. Beginning July 2020, AHA recommends resuming normal timelines for renewing cards. Those whose card expires at the end of July or beyond should plan to renew their cards by the recommended renewal date on their card. However, we recommend that you first check with your employer as it is ultimately up to your employer whether they will honor AHA's recommended extension for AHA Provider cards. For NRP Provider cards, refer to AAP's recommended extension of up to 120 days beyond its renewal date.

We ask that students who have any symptoms to please contact us immediately to reschedule your class to another time when you are not ill and the rescheduling fee will be waived. All students attending a class must wear a face-covering during your time in our facility. We are committed to working together to meet your needs and keeping you and the community safe and healthy.

Third and finally, as healthcare professionals, we need to care for each other so that we can continue to care for others. We are committed to doing everything in our ability to help you be able to continue doing your job of saving lives. To that end, we will not be canceling our classes and will do our best to provide you with the classes you need to keep saving lives.

Given the fluidity of the situation, we will continue to closely monitor any new developments and will post any updates and amend this letter as needed. Whatever happens, our goal will always remain the same: putting the health and safety of our community first by supporting our healthcare providers by providing the classes they need in the safest way possible.

We are here for you, we are all lifesavers.

Bethanie Christopher
CEO, Lifesaver Education

Resources for COVID-19

American Heart Association: COVID-19 CPR Training Resources

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

California State Department of Public Health

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

World Health Organization (WHO)