Frequently Asked Questions for ECSI Instructors Regarding the Coronavirus Pandemic
Updated for Certifications After June 30, 2020
Will there be an extension for course completion cards and instructor certificates?
ECSI is extending course completion card validity for a period of 120 days for those who are unable to access training during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 120-day extension is valid for course completion cards that expired between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. To receive an extension for cards that expire after June 30, 2020, providers MUST complete the associated online interactive course before their expiration date (e.g. First Aid, CPR, and AED Interactive; Health Care Provider CPR Interactive) and then complete the on-site skills testing within 120 days of the online course completion.
In addition, for instructor certificates that expired after March 1, 2020, instructors will receive an extension on their certificates until further notice. ECSI will continue to monitor the situation and may make further changes in the future.
What can be done to refresh knowledge and skills while waiting for an opportunity to participate in an in-person ECSI course or on-site skills testing session?
Based on published evidence, it is expected that providers who do not perform or practice life-saving skills (e.g., CPR) on a regular basis will lose confidence in their ability to respond in an emergency. While waiting to participate in an in-person course or skills test, it is strongly recommended that individuals who are maintaining a course completion card participate in an online ECSI interactive course (e.g., Health Care Provider CPR Interactive) to refresh cognitive information, skills sequencing, and other treatment recommendations. Individuals may also simulate skills, such as practicing chest compressions on a pillow(s) or another soft or flexible object, as part of a review of the steps to perform CPR.
If I complete an online ECSI interactive course, will I need to perform the on-site skills testing within 30 days?
No, ECSI will allow a 120-day extension of the online course completion certificate for courses completed after March 1, 2020 to provide more time for the individual to seek on-site skills testing for certification.
If I completed the online ECSI interactive course and I am unable to perform the on-site skills testing within 120 days due to COVID-19 rules and regulations in my area, will my online course completion certificate be extended further?
In order to extend the validity of the online interactive portion of the CPR program past the 120-day extension period you must once again complete the online interactive course and show proof that you completed the course to the instructor conducting the on-site skills test. The online interactive courses are valid for 1 year from the date the access code was redeemed and can be reviewed as often as desired during the subscription period.
How may our Education Center determine if we are prepared to conduct training?
We urge you to carefully evaluate and determine whether you are fully prepared with all necessary precautions and safety protocols to conduct training during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Education Centers and instructors should seek input from your management and local officials when considering in-person training. ECSI assumes no obligation for assessing the pandemic readiness of any center; this determination must be carefully made by each Education Center, assuming full responsibility for its operations. We cannot stress enough the importance of giving careful and thorough consideration to this determination.
Should our Education Center discuss alternative options with students and instructors for in-person training?
Yes, instructors and students should discuss available options including virtual options or postponing or delaying the in-person skills testing components of the training/certification. We recognize that the work that you do is incredibly important and that training is a key part of keeping others in your community alive and well, but we strongly suggest that you do everything possible to mitigate the risks to yourself and others by closely following guidance offered by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and your local health officials. If you wish to reinforce the cognitive components of any of our emergency care courses, we suggest utilizing our online interactive courses.
May I conduct my ECSI courses virtually?
Yes. Authorized ECSI instructors may conduct the cognitive components of their courses virtually using a secure video-based platform to present material to course participants. Instructors may demonstrate skills remotely or use the appropriate skills videos as part of their presentations. Skills testing may be conducted at a later date to complete the course completion process, or Education Centers may contact the ECSI Membership Office to discuss acceptable options. Participants should check with their employer to ensure that they will recognize a virtually conducted cognitive program.
Does ECSI provide guidance for treatment procedures and protocols during the coronavirus pandemic?
ECSI does not establish clinical protocols or procedures. We encourage all Education Centers, instructors, and providers to speak to their medical directors for more information and to closely monitor local, national, and international developments and guidance offered by officials and trustworthy authorities on these matters.
To stay up-to-date on the latest information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites. If you have questions regarding a special training circumstance, please contact our Membership Office at 978-639-3590 (ext. 4).
Thank you for doing your part to help keep our communities safe.
**Last Updated: 7/1/2020