| Frequently Asked Questions |
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| For directions to course venues, click here |
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| Help for which course? |
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| Q: |
How do I access the web-based tutorials? |
| A: |
To start the Self-Directed Learning module...
Go to www.onlineaha.org
Enter the activation key when prompted by the site.
your personal activation key is found in the email you received from Code Blue when signing up for the course.
Follow the prompts to create an account and register for the HeartCode course.
When you start the course, a window will pop up with a list of tutorials, cases (patient names) and assessment links.
You must work your way down through the list to complete ALL cases.
You will then be able to print out the completion certificate. |
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| Q: |
I can\'t open the CD-ROM. Help! |
| A: |
The CD-ROM contains a lot of valuable information and a very handy practice MCQ and rhythm assessment. Unfortunately, it sometimes requires a little bit of tweaking to get it working properly on your computer.
There are detailed system requirements printed on the inside of your ACLS Provider Manual. It should work on both Windows and Mac computers.
The drugs and rhythms supplementary materials require a program called Adobe Acrobat Reader. It can be downloaded for free from the Adobe Website . Save the installer program to your hard disk, double-click the icon and follow the instructions to install it to your machine.
The self assessment MCQ/Rhythm test requires a program called Adobe Flash Player. It can be downloaded for free from the Adobe Website (www.adobe.com). Save the installer program to your hard disk, double-click the icon and follow the instructions to install it to your machine.
If you are using a computer at work (e.g. in a hospital/clinic) you may not be allowed install Acrobat Reader or Flash Player on the networked computer. Contact your IT manager to install the programs for you.
If you still can't get it to work, email us. |
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| Q: |
Will I have to do real mouth-to-mouth on the course? |
| A: |
No. We use plastic manikins (dummies) which are very realistic and have lungs which inflate when you blow into them. We give every student a device called a pocket mask (or a resuscitation face shield), which acts as a barrier between your lips and the manikin or collapsed patient. |
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| Q: |
I have no medical background. Will I be able to pass the BLS course? |
| A: |
Yes! The course is suitable for anyone, especially those without a medical or nursing background. It is delivered in a very relaxed, informal manner. The skills are demonstrated first on a DVD, then practised with the help of your instructor. You get lots of hands-on practice before your final assessment. |
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| Q: |
Is the ACLS course really as stressful as I\'ve been told by my colleagues? |
| A: |
No. The courses are designed to be taught in a friendly, informal manner. Our instructors are knowledgeable and experienced and use positive reinforcement to emphasize the core skills. If you are struggling with skills or knowledge, one instructor will be your mentor to give you extra tuition/practice. |
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| Q: |
Is the PALS course really as stressful as I\'ve been told by my colleagues? |
| A: |
No. The courses are designed to be taught in a friendly, informal manner. Our instructors are knowledgeable and experienced. We will allow you to get valuable practice and use positive reinforcement to emphasize the core skills. If you are struggling with skills or knowledge, one instructor will be your mentor to give you extra tuition/practice. |
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| Q: |
Will I be embarassed in front of a big group of people? |
| A: |
The skills stations have maximum numbers of 6 per group. There will be a mixture of disciplines and levels of experience in your group. Everyone in the group will have something to contribute AND something to learn. You will be required to demonstrate your skills in front of the group but it will be set up at your skill level, in a familiar, imaginary setting. Our instructors will recognise when you are nervous and will calm you down and refocus you. |
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| Q: |
Will I be embarassed in front of a big group of people? |
| A: |
The skills stations have maximum numbers of 6 per group. There will be a mixture of disciplines and levels of experience in your group. Everyone in the group will have something to contribute AND something to learn. You will be required to demonstrate your skills in front of the group but it will be set up at your skill level, in a familiar, imaginary setting. Our instructors will recognise when you are nervous and will calm you down and refocus you. |
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| Q: |
Do I need to bring a notepad and pens/pencils? |
| A: |
There will be occasions when you want to make some notes. Candidates usually make notes on the handouts/reference books supplied in your course pack. You'll need a pen for the final MCQ. |
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| Q: |
Do I need to bring a notepad and pens/pencils? |
| A: |
There will be occasions when you want to make some notes. Candidates usually make notes on the handouts/reference books supplied in your course pack. You'll need a pen for the final MCQ. |
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| Q: |
Will there be real patients at the course? |
| A: |
No! All the scenarios are set up using real equipment (defibrillators, airway devices, IV lines, spinal boards etc.) and simulation manikins. The manikins are very realistic, allowing you to ventilate them, intubate them, do CPR on them and get IV access on them. If we need to show some real patients with real illnesses, we play a DVD. |
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| Q: |
Will there be real patients at the course? |
| A: |
No! All the scenarios are set up using real equipment (defibrillators, airway devices, IV lines, spinal boards etc.) and simulation manikins. The manikins are very realistic, allowing you to ventilate them, intubate them, do CPR on them and get IV access on them. If we need to show some real patients with real illnesses, we play a DVD. |
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| Q: |
I\'m not used to being a team leader during emergencies at my workplace, will I be able to do it on the course? |
| A: |
Yes! The ACLS and PALS courses are designed to teach you how to be a team leader. You'll find that the more times you run an arrest/emergency scenario with your group as the team, the more confident you'll get. Your instructor will help you get over that initial fear. |
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| Q: |
I\'m not used to being a team leader during emergencies at my workplace, will I be able to do it on the course? |
| A: |
Yes! The ACLS and PALS courses are designed to teach you how to be a team leader. You'll find that the more times you run an arrest/emergency scenario with your group as the team, the more confident you'll get. Your instructor will help you get over that initial fear. |
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| Q: |
Are the instructors trying to trip me up or fail me? |
| A: |
No! We want you to pass. We'll give you a fair, standardised scenario that will allow you to show us what you've learned during the 2 days. If you can tick our boxes, you pass! |
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| Q: |
Are the instructors trying to trip me up or fail me? |
| A: |
No! We want you to pass. We'll give you a fair, standardised scenario that will allow you to show us what you've learned during the 2 days. If you can tick our boxes, you pass! |
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| Q: |
What happens if I make a mistake during my practical assessment scenario? |
| A: |
If its a minor procedural error, your instructor will debrief and remediate you straight away. If you make a major error - unsafe with a defibrillator, unable to do effective basic life support etc - you'll be debriefed and remediated. If you were good enough over the previous 2 days, you may be given another chance. If your standard was poor all the way through the 2 days, you'll have to repeat the course. |
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| Q: |
What happens if I make a mistake during my practical assessment scenario? |
| A: |
If its a minor procedural error, your instructor will debrief and remediate you straight away. If you make a major error - unsafe with a defibrillator, unable to do effective basic life support etc - you'll be debriefed and remediated. If you were good enough over the previous 2 days, you may be given another chance. If your standard was poor all the way through the 2 days, you'll have to repeat the course. |
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| Q: |
What happens if I fail the course? |
| A: |
If you don't pass the MCQ AND Practical Assessments, you'll have to take the course again. If you only fail the MCQ, you can retake it at a later date, usually after a few weeks (during which you can re-read the book). If you don't pass the BLS Assessment (remember, we don't TEACH BLS on the ACLS/PALS courses, only ASSESS) you'll have to take a BLS course before we sign off your course. |
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| Q: |
How long does the ACLS cert last? |
| A: |
Certification lasts 2 years from the course date. |
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| Q: |
How long does the PALS cert last? |
| A: |
Certification lasts 2 years from the course date. |
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| Q: |
How do I re-certify? |
| A: |
You can take the basic ACLS course again. If you are within the 2 years, you can take a 1-day ACLS recertification course. If you are within the 2 years AND you have previously recertified twice, you can take the ACLS-EP (experienced provider) course, which adds extra knowledge to your ACLS. |
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| Q: |
How do I re-certify? |
| A: |
You can take the PALS course again. |
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| Q: |
Will I get the certificate on the day of the course? |
| A: |
No. The results are sent to the Irish Heart Foundation, who take about 4 weeks to process your cert. We will then mail the certs out, either directly to you, or to your institution, depending on who is paying for the course! |
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| Q: |
Will I get the certificate on the day of the course? |
| A: |
No. The results are sent to the Irish Heart Foundation, who take about 4 weeks to process your cert. We will then mail the certs out, either directly to you, or to your institution, depending on who is paying for the course! |
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| Q: |
I can\'t make it to the course. Can I get my money back? |
| A: |
If you cancel at least 1 month before the course, you get a full refund.
If you cancel within 1 month of the course, you do not get a refund. Bookings are not transferable within this time. We have to hire instructors and a venue and send out the textbooks and CD-ROMs at this stage. You may be allowed pass your place on to a friend but be advised that this friend will have only a short time to study for the course and will have to accept the consequences of this. |
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| Q: |
I can\'t make it to the course. Can I get my money back? |
| A: |
If you cancel at least 1 month before the course, you get a full refund.
If you cancel within 1 month of the course, you do not get a refund. Bookings are not transferable within this time. We have to hire instructors and a venue and send out the textbooks and CD-ROMs at this stage. You may be allowed pass your place on to a friend but be advised that this friend will have only a short time to study for the course and will have to accept the consequences of this. |
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| Q: |
How do I claim the course fee from my training grant? |
| A: |
We will give you an official receipt with your name, course type, date and course fee, upon successful completion of the course. You can present this to your hospital's administration department for the refund. Some hospitals require pre-authorisation before claiming a training refund. Some hospitals may only give a partial refund - please check this before booking. |
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| Q: |
How do I claim the course fee from my training grant? |
| A: |
We will give you an official receipt with your name, course type, date and course fee, upon successful completion of the course. You can present this to your hospital's administration department for the refund. Some hospitals require pre-authorisation for claiming a training refund. Some hospitals may only give a partial refund - please check this before booking. |
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| Q: |
How do I get to The Beacon Hospital, Sandyford? |
| A: |
From Dublin City Centre: drive out of town along the N11 past RTE and UCD. Take the exit for the Sandyford Industrial Estate, opposite St. John of God's Psychiatric Hospital. Take the 4th exit at the next roundabout, into the industrial estate. The Beacon Hospital is located at the opposite end of the industrial estate, on Blackthorn road. Beware! The industrial estate becomes a big car park at about 7.45am, so please allow plenty of time to get through. |
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| Q: |
How long does the web-based lesson take to complete? |
| A: |
Approximately 4-6 hours.
Once you figure out where all the buttons are (taking BP, giving drugs etc) you'll get through the case quickly. |
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| Q: |
I can\'t print out the certificate! Help! |
| A: |
Sometimes the cert does not print correctly (or print at all).
Try these tips...
Use a different browser. Internet Explorer and Firefox work better than Chrome or Safari.
Log in and print from a different laptop.
Take a photo of the certificate on the screen with your mobile phone to show us on the day.
If all else fails, the minimum that will suffice is a photo of the scenarios screen, showing that all scenarios and the MCQ are completed. |
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| Q: |
I can\'t make it to the skills check. How do I cancel? |
| A: |
If you cancel more than 4 weeks before the course, you will get a refund or you can simply book onto the next Heartcode Skills day. This can only be done by prior agreement with Code Blue and is subject to availability. You will get a refund of 325 Euro if you have NOT used the web-based lesson Access Code. You will get a refund of 225 Euro if you HAVE used the Access Code.
If you cancel within 4 weeks of the Heartcode Skills day, you will not receive a refund for the web-based lessons (100 Euro) or the Heartcode Skills day (225 Euro). You will not have to re-do the web-based lessons for the next course, however, so you pay 225 Euro for re-booking.
You may pass your place to another student. He/She must buy a web-based lesson Access Code (100 Euro) and refund the cost of the Heartcode Skills day (225 Euro) to you directly and agree to the Code Blue ACLS 1-Day terms and conditions. Again, this can only be done with prior agreement from Code Blue. |
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| Q: |
I started the web-based lesson but now I want to pass it to my colleague. |
| A: |
You can't.
Once the Access Code is used, it cannot be re-used by someone else.
An unused Access Code may be passed to your colleague, with prior agreement from Code Blue. |
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