DALLAS and CHICAGO, July 27, 2020 — A new, first-of-its kind program has been developed by the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, in collaboration with the National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities (NOND) to meet the needs of individuals with physical disabilities by focusing on their abilities to direct others to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The Advisor: Basic Life Support (BLS) program was developed for candidates who pass the cognitive portion of the HeartCode® BLS Provider Course but cannot independently perform the physical skills of CPR.
By successfully advising others how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED), people with physical disabilities can receive an Advisor: BLS card. While some individuals with disabilities can perform CPR skills to the required standards, others who are unable to perform the motor skills of CPR have the ability to take the Advisor: BLS program which permits verbal recognition of the required knowledge and skills. This program increases the population of individuals trained to respond to emergencies, ensuring CPR is performed until emergency medical services arrive.
“This program was created because we saw the need for those with disabilities to have the opportunity to participate in saving lives,” said Comilla Sasson, MD, PhD, FAHA, FACEP, and vice president for emergency cardiovascular care science and innovation at the American Heart Association. “On the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we recognize the abilities of all to be trained in CPR and AED use and to ultimately save more lives.”
Advisor: BLS cards are available exclusively to authorized American Heart Association Training Centers for issuance in accordance with Association’s policy. Students must first take HeartCode® BLS online and present a course completion certificate before the skills session.
“Americans are living longer with more comorbidities, so now more than ever individuals need to learn CPR,” said Bridgette Jenkins, DNP, MSN, RN, active American Heart Association CPR Instructor and NOND board member. “We were thrilled to collaborate with the American Heart Association to help problem-solve this issue for people with disabilities at a time when it’s most critical to have these lifesaving skills.”
Additional resources and guidance on CPR training can be found here.
Additional Resources:
- American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care website
- The American Heart Association’s CPR & first aid courses
- National Organization for Nurses with Disabilities website
- Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews
- American Society of Anesthesiologists COVID-19 resources
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities
NOND is an open membership, cross-disability, professional organization that works to promote equity for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions in nursing through education and advocacy by:
- Promoting best practices in education and employment;
- Providing resources to individuals, nursing organizations, and educational and healthcare institutions;
- Influencing the provision of culturally responsive nursing practice; and
- Creating systemic improvement and change.
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For Media Inquiries:
Monica Sales: 214-706-1527; monica.sales@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and strokeassociation.org
