American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical Launch Nationwide Self-Guided Resuscitation Training Model

The American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical have announced the nationwide launch of Self-Guided Learning™, a flexible resuscitation training delivery model designed for healthcare professionals, workplace safety personnel, and emergency responders who must complete credentialed training while managing demanding schedules. This model enables learners to complete HeartCode® Complete required coursework and skills verification independently, addressing accessibility barriers that often accompany traditional in-person instruction requirements.

The Association, which develops the official resuscitation guidelines used by all CPR and First Aid training providers in the United States and many organizations in over 90 additional countries, has collaborated with Laerdal Medical for more than 20 years to develop resuscitation education. Laerdal Medical brings expertise in medical simulation and healthcare education, using immersive technologies and data-centric insights to improve survival rates and healthcare quality. Self-Guided Learning represents a significant expansion of their partnership, transforming how CPR is taught and learned across the country.

This independent training option allows learners to complete HeartCode Complete Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) courses at times and locations that fit their schedules. The program consists of a self-paced online activity compatible with various devices and a hands-on, self-guided skills session conducted at CPR Verification Station™ learning centers. These stations use advanced simulation technology to provide real-time, audiovisual, objective feedback and coaching without requiring instructor oversight, ensuring skills are properly verified according to established standards.

John Meiners, chief of Mission Aligned Businesses for the American Heart Association, emphasized that expanding training options across the full spectrum from instructor-led to self-guided learning removes barriers to access while maintaining the scientific rigor and validation standards for which the organization is known. He noted that Self-Guided Learning helps prepare more people to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies, contributing to the Association's goal of doubling cardiac arrest survival by 2030. The model is particularly valuable for healthcare professionals and students seeking flexible training options, allied healthcare providers, remote and rural healthcare staff, emergency medical services professionals, and both initial and renewal learners requiring American Heart Association Course Completion eCards.

As of March 2026, Self-Guided Learning and CPR Verification Station learning centers are available in 47 states, with expansion to all 50 states planned soon. Learners can locate available centers using CPR Finder™, entering their ZIP code to view options in their area before being directed to a Premier Distributor's website for course completion instructions. Alf-Christian Dybdahl, chief executive officer of Laerdal Medical, described this delivery model as an easily accessible, effective training option for those who prefer independent learning, representing another milestone in their organizations' shared mission. For those interested in traditional training methods, the Association continues to offer instructor-led and blended learning options through cpr.heart.org, while digital CPR training programs are available through rqipartners.com, the partnership service provider for both organizations.