Education Courses
Important Information
If you do not have a Heart and Stroke account yet, please go to https://cpr.heartandstroke.ca/ to create a Heart and Stroke Account prior to submitting your registration for any Heart and Stroke Course (BLS, ACLS, PALS, PEARS).
Please include your Heart and Stroke ID number on your registration form.
Registration Information
Use the green Submit button at the top of the registration form to submit your completed registration form to education@sah.on.ca
You are not registered for a course until you received a confirmation email from Sault Area Hospital Education. Please email education@sah.on.ca if you have not received a confirmation email within 5 business days of registering.
The same form may be used to sign up for multiple courses. Select all courses you wish to register for – be sure to indicate the specified date for each.
Do not sign up unless you have approved time off to attend.
There will be a $20 non-refundable administration fee for all transfers, NSF payments, and cancellations prior to the 14-day Cancellation Policy.
No refunds or transfers will be issued within 14 days of the course and the full course fee will be processed for all registrants.
Please Note:
Registration for ACLS, PALS and PEARS courses closes 2 weeks before the course date.
Registration for BLS courses close 5 days before the course date.
Registration Forms
This registration form is to be used for ACLS, BLS, PALS, PEARS and NRP courses:
Please choose the appropriate form below.
ACLS Provider (Heart & Stroke)
This course is designed specifically for healthcare providers who participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies, and who will regularly use ACLS skills within their scope of practice. The course gives students the opportunity to practice and demonstrate proficiency in continuous, high-quality CPR, high-performance team dynamics and communication, systems of care, recognition and intervention of cardiopulmonary arrest, acute dysrhythmia, stroke, and acute coronary syndromes. Students practice the application of these and other skills in simulated cases and will practice both team leader and team member roles.
Prerequisites:
Completion of online Pre-Course Self-Assessment:
- The cost of the pre-course assessment is included in your registration
- 30-45 minute completion time
- Passing score of 70% is required (course may be repeated as often as necessary to achieve score)
- Must be completed within 90 days of the course date
- Print and bring your certificate to your ACLS course or email a copy of your certificate to Education@sah.on.ca
- You will not be able to proceed with the in-person portion of the course without a printed copy of your certificate – cancellation fees will apply
Valid Heart and Stroke Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Only Heart and Stroke BLS courses are eligible to be used as a prerequisite for ACLS or PALS courses
Course Information:
Completed on-site at Sault Area Hospital, 2 full days
Heart and Stroke courses require a minimum of 3 students to run and may be cancelled if the minimum enrolment is not met.
To register for this course use the appropriate registration form located at the the top of this page.
Note: Due to the differences in timeframe, delivery, and focus, ACLS and BLS courses must be delivered as separate and distinct courses (i.e., they cannot be taught simultaneously).
Resources:
Book available for purchase here.
A limited number of books are available to borrow from the SAH library. Please contact library@sah.on.ca.
- January 11 & 12, 2025 at 0800 hrs
FULL – March 5 & 6, 2025 at 0800 hrs- April 24 & 25, 2025 at 0800 hrs
FULL – May 21 & 22, 2025 at 0800 hrs
ACLS Renewal (Heart & Stroke)
This course is a concentrated program for those providers with a current ACLS certification requiring renewal. This fast-paced course gives students the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of the core ACLS program through written and skills assessments.
Prerequisites:
Completion of online Pre-Course Self-Assessment:
- The cost of the pre-course assessment is included in your registration
- 30-45 minute completion time
- Passing score of 70% is required (course may be repeated as often as necessary to achieve score)
- Must be completed within 90 days of the course date
- Print and bring your certificate to your ACLS course or email a copy of your certificate to Education@sah.on.ca
- You will not be able to proceed with the in-person portion of the course without a printed copy of your certificate – cancellation fees will apply
Valid Heart and Stroke Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Only Heart and Stroke BLS courses are eligible to be used as a prerequisite for ACLS or PALS courses
Course Information:
Completed on-site at Sault Area Hospital, 1 full day.
Heart and Stroke courses require a minimum of 3 students to run and may be cancelled if the minimum enrolment is not met.
To register for this course use the appropriate registration form located at the the top of this page.
Note: Due to the differences in timeframe, delivery, and focus, ACLS Provider and ACLS Renewal courses must be delivered as separate and distinct courses.
Resources:
Book available for purchase here.
A limited number of books are available to borrow from the SAH library. Please contact library@sah.on.ca.
- December 19, 2024 at 0800 hrs
- February 11, 2025 at 0800 hrs
- March 27, 2025 at 0800 hrs
- May 15, 2025 at 0800 hrs
- June 5, 2025 at 0800 hrs
BLS Provider (Heart & Stroke)
This course is ideal for healthcare professionals as well as those who are new to BLS or do not frequently use their resuscitation skills. Learning occurs through lectures, video segments, practice and coaching with students receiving many opportunities to apply the skills and receive feedback before evaluation. You will learn single- and multi-rescuer basic life support skills with a focus on high-quality CPR and team dynamics in a wide variety of settings. Basic Life Support (BLS) is a pre-requisite for advanced resuscitation courses and many healthcare-related training programs.
Prerequisites:
None
Course Information:
Completed on-site at Sault Area Hospital, 4-5 hours
Heart and Stroke courses require a minimum of 3 students to run and may be cancelled if the minimum enrolment is not met.
To register for this course use the appropriate registration form located at the the top of this page.
Resources:
Book available for purchase here.
A limited number of books are available to borrow from the SAH library. Please contact library@sah.on.ca.
FULL – April 3, 2025 at 0800 – 1200 hrsFULL – May 6, 2025 at 0800 – 1200 hrs- May 6, 2025 at 1300 – 1700 hrs
FULL – June 12, 2025 at 0800 – 1200 hrs
BLS Renewal (Heart & Stroke)
This is a fast-paced course designed for experiences healthcare providers who are routinely called on to apply their resuscitation skills and have a current BLS certification requiring renewal. It covers single-rescuer and multi-rescuer basic life support skills for different environments, focusing on high-quality CPR and team dynamics. The BLS renewal course assumes comprehensive awareness, knowledge, and skill proficiency in heart & Stroke BLS concepts.
Prerequisites:
Current Heart & Stroke BLS Provider certification
Course Information:
Completed on-site at Sault Area Hospital, 4.5 hours
Heart and Stroke courses require a minimum of 3 students to run and may be cancelled if the minimum enrolment is not met.
To register for this course use the appropriate registration form located at the the top of this page.
Resources:
Book available for purchase here.
A limited number of books are available to borrow from the SAH library. Please contact library@sah.on.ca.
- April 3, 2025 at 1300 – 1500 hrs
- June 12, 2025 at 1300 – 1500 hrs
Durham Critical Care Simulation Course
This course is designed specifically for Registered Nurses who have successfully completed the theory and comprehensive written exam for the Durham Critical Care Course.
This course will be conducted in the simulation lab with high-fidelity simulators. Case-based scenarios and focused learning stations will be utilized to teach application content. Participants will develop skills in caring for critically ill patients.
Points of emphasis will include; mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic monitoring, cardiac rhythm interpretation and priority setting and decision making in the critical care setting. Team communications, ethical/legal implications, pharmacological and diagnostic implications will be addressed.
This course will run when there is a minimum of 4 participants.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of the theory and comprehensive written exam for the Durham Critical Care Course. Proof of completion may be requested.
Course Information:
Completed on-site at Sault Area Hospital, 2 full days.
To register for this course, email education@sah.on.ca.
FULL – April 21 & 22, 2025 at 0800-1600 hrs
LivingWorks ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
Considered the gold-standard in suicide first-aid, ASIST is a face-to-face workshop featuring powerful audiovisuals, discussions, and simulations. Throughout the two-day workshop, participants will learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, providing skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive. ASIST provides a suicide first-aid intervention model for anyone who wants to learn life-saving skills and is applicable to any role or profession. After attending this workshop, participants will be better able to:
- Provide a suicide first-aid intervention with increased willingness, confidence, and capacity.
- Develop a safety plan to keep a person thinking about suicide safe-for-now.
- Apply a safety framework to guide the collaborative development of this safety plan
Prerequisites:
None
Course Information:
Click here to register for this course.
Interactive two-day workshop consisting of group discussion, simulation, and audiovisual resources.
Mental Health First Aid and ASIST courses require a minimum of 8 students to run and may be cancelled if the minimum enrolment is not met.
Resource:
Participant workbook will be provided to you on the day of the course. Please bring a pen and any personal comfort items you may need.
FULL – April 3 & 4, 2025FULL – June 5 & 6, 2025
Mental Health Commission of Canada - Mental Health First Aid (Basic)
About Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
While we often know a lot about physical illness, there tends to be less knowledge about mental health or substance use problems. This lack of understanding leads to fear and negative attitudes toward individuals living with mental health or substance use problems. It prevents people from seeking help and providing appropriate support to people around them.
MHFA is offered to someone with an emerging mental health or substance use problem or in crisis, until appropriate treatment is found or the situation resolves. An evidence-based course, MHFA Standard has been proven to give participants:
- The tools to recognize signs of decline in mental well-being.
- The ability to talk about their mental health.
- The knowledge to discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery or improved mental well-being.
- The confidence to reach out to these supports.
- The tools to assist during a mental health or substance use crisis, and.
- The knowledge to use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental wellness.
MHFA is an international program active in over 20 countries. Research has shown that this evidence-based course offers significant positive impacts for participants and their workplaces, communities, and families, namely:
- Significantly greater recognition of the most common mental health problems
- Decreased social distance from people with mental health problems
- Increased confidence in providing help to others
- Improved mental health of the MHFA participant her/himself
NOTE: MHFA does NOT teach participants to be therapists or mental health professionals, just as regular first aid does not teach people to be paramedics or doctors.
Prerequisites:
None! Anyone can benefit from MHFA.
Course Information:
Click here to register for this course.
This 9-hour course begins with an online self-directed module (Module 1) that focuses on the information and strategies participants will discuss and practice throughout Modules 2 and 3. Module 1 takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete, is done independently and must be completed prior to the live in classroom training date. You are given approximately 2 weeks to complete Module 1. Modules 2 and 3 will be covered in the classroom in one full training day.
Mental Health First Aid and ASIST courses require a minimum of 8 students to run and may be cancelled if the minimum enrolment is not met.
Resource:
Upon registration, participants will receive online access to a Participant Reference Guide which outlines MHFA actions for mental health and substance use problems and crises. You have the option to order a hard copy but this is not required. Please bring writing materials, refreshments/lunch, and comfort items as needed. Morning, Lunch, and Afternoon breaks will be incorporated into the in classroom training day.
NOTE:
Once your registration is confirmed, instructions are sent with how to access Module 1 via the email listed on your registration form. Participants must complete online Module 1 and the full classroom training day (Modules 2 and 3) in order to receive certification.
If you have previously submitted a registration and are requesting to cancel or move your previous registration to a new date please email hlutes@sah.on.ca to process this request. Do not submit a second registration.
- April 29, 2025
Massive Hemorrhage Protocol (MHP)
The Massive Hemorrhage Protocol educational program is utilized during a Code Transfusion.
Prerequisites:
Physicians or nurses working in the Emergency Department, Obstetrics, Operating Room, Recovery Room or Intensive Care Unit.
Course Information:
To register for this course, email education@sah.on.ca.
- March 26, 2025 at 0800 hrs
- June 25, 2025 at 0800 hrs
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
This educational program introduces the concepts and skills of neonatal resuscitation. This hands-on program utilizes skills stations and mega scenario evaluation and debriefing to reinforce and focus the pre-existing knowledge of the participant on the skills and teamwork essential for the effective management of newborn resuscitation.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of the online NRP exam prior to attending
Course Information:
Completed on-site at Sault Area Hospital, 4-6 hours.
To register for this course use the appropriate registration form located at the the top of this page.
Resources:
Book available for purchase here.
A limited number of books are available to borrow from the SAH library. Please contact library@sah.on.ca.
FULL – April 10, 2025 at 0800 hrs- June 11, 2025 at 0800 hrs
Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization (PEARS) Provider
Description: The Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization (PEARS) Provider course is an intermediary pediatric skills course that builds on BLS concepts and can be a stepping stone towards certification in pediatric advanced life support (PALS). PEARS equips healthcare providers who periodically care for pediatric patients with foundational skills to participate in the initial management of respiratory and shock emergencies, and cardiopulmonary arrest. PEARS is designed for healthcare providers and first responders who provide care to patients in a wide variety of settings, including rural health centres, schools, or large urban health centres with diverse ranges in scope of practice among staff.
Prerequisites: Available for SAH staff working in the ED and 1A who do not take PALS.
Cost: $200
Course Information: 8 hours (one full day) completed on-site at Sault Area Hospital
Heart and Stroke courses require a minimum of 3 students to run and may be cancelled if the minimum enrolment is not met.
To register for this course use the appropriate registration form located at the the top of this page.
Resources: Book available to purchase here.
To be determined (TBD)
Non Violent Crisis Intervention (NCI) Training- Full Foundation
This training is a behaviour management system that teaches simple skills for assessing, managing, and responding to risk behaviour at work.
The focus is on verbal de-escalation, prevention, and early intervention. Safe physical intervention options are also taught, to be used only as a last resort.
This time-tested program gives you an effective framework for decision-making and problem-solving and it equips you with the skills and confidence to champion a culture of Care, Welfare, Safety, and Security.
NCI provides staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations including prevention and verbal de-escalation skills, disengagement safety techniques, trauma-informed training, risk assessment framework and physical intervention techniques.
Prerequisites:
Online e-learning module to be completed prior to the course. An email link will be sent to course participant two weeks prior to the course date.
Course Information:
Click here to register for this course.
Offered to Sault Area Hospital employees only, completed on site at Sault Area Hospital, 8 hours.
Active and safe participation is critical for achieving successful outcomes from NCI training. Participants who have any personal circumstances that may limit their participation in the course (physical or otherwise) must consult their manager prior to attendance.
Non Violent Crisis Intervention courses require a minimum of 6 students to run and may be cancelled if the minimum enrolment is not met.
- April 8, 2025 at 0800 hrs
- May 7, 2025 at 0800 hrs
- June 17, 2025 at 0800 hrs
Non Violent Crisis Intervention (NCI) Training - Renewal
This is a concentrated course of the full foundation for those with a current NCI certification. Program features including prevention and verbal de-escalation skills, disengagement safety techniques, trauma-informed training, risk assessment framework and physical intervention techniques.
Prerequisites:
Current NCI certification
Course Information:
Click here to register for this course.
Offered to Sault Area Hospital employees only, completed on-site at Sault Area Hospital, 4 hours.
Active and safe participation is critical for achieving successful outcomes from NCI training. Participants who have any personal circumstances that may limit their participation in the course (physical or otherwise) must consult their manager prior to attendance.
Non Violent Crisis Intervention courses require a minimum of 6 students to run and may be cancelled if the minimum enrolment is not met.
For any questions, please contact: education@sah.on.ca
FULL – April 9, 2025 at 0800 – 1200 hrsFULL – May 8, 2025 at 0800 – 1200 hrsFULL – June 18, 2025 at 0800 – 1200 hrs
PALS Blended Provider Courses
This is an advanced course designed specifically for healthcare providers who will participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest, respiratory or shock emergencies in pediatric patients. Learners can expect practice and training in a proven systematic approach to pediatric assessment, treatment algorithms and high-performance teams to improve the quality of care provided to seriously ill or injured children. Participants will practice and demonstrate proficiency in simulated case scenarios and will practice both team leader and team member roles.
Prerequisites:
Completion of online Pre-Course Self-Assessment:
- The cost of the pre-course assessment is included in your registration
- 30-45 minute completion time
- Passing score of 70% is required (course may be repeated as often as necessary to achieve score)
- Must be completed within 90 days of the course date
- Print and bring your certificate to your PALS course or email a copy of your certificate to Education@sah.on.ca
- You will not be able to proceed with the in-person portion of the course without a printed copy of your certificate – cancellation fees will apply
- Successful completion of written exam (84 %), two (2) attempts, included in the online component
- If unsuccessful in the online component, the participant will be charged an $85 fee. If you are SAH staff, you will not be paid for time spent doing online work and must attend a traditional PALS course.
Valid Heart and Stroke Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Only Heart and Stroke BLS courses are eligible to be used as a prerequisite for ACLS or PALS courses
Course Information:
The BLENDED course is a mix of self-paced, online learning and 9 hours completed on-site at Sault Area Hospital (14 hours total).
Heart and Stroke courses require a minimum of 3 students to run and may be cancelled if the minimum enrolment is not met.
To register for this course use the appropriate registration form located at the the top of this page.
Resources:
Book available for purchase here.
A limited number of books are available to borrow from the SAH library. Please contact library@sah.on.ca.
(Mix of self-paced, online learning and 9 hours on-site at SAH, 14 hours total)
**Review Prerequisites Before Registering for Blended Course**
PALS (Traditional) Provider Courses
This is an advanced course, designed specifically for healthcare providers who will participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest, respiratory or shock emergencies in pediatric patients. Learners can expect practice and training in a proven systematic approach to pediatric assessment, treatment algorithms and high-performance teams to improve the quality of care provided to seriously ill or injured children. Participants will practice and demonstrate proficiency in simulated case scenarios and will practice both team leader and team member roles.
Prerequisites:
Completion of online Pre-Course Self-Assessment:
- The cost of the pre-course assessment is included in your registration
- 30-45 minute completion time
- Passing score of 70% is required (course may be repeated as often as necessary to achieve score)
- Must be completed within 90 days of the course date
- Print and bring your certificate to your PALS course or email a copy of your certificate to Education@sah.on.ca
- You will not be able to proceed with the in-person portion of the course without a printed copy of your certificate – cancellation fees will apply
Valid Heart and Stroke Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Only Heart and Stroke BLS courses are eligible to be used as a prerequisite for ACLS or PALS courses
Course Information:
Completed on-site at Sault Area Hospital, 2 full days.
Heart and Stroke courses require a minimum of 3 students to run and may be cancelled if the minimum enrolment is not met.
To register for this course use the appropriate registration form located at the the top of this page.
Resources:
Book available for purchase here.
A limited number of books are available to borrow from the SAH library. Please contact library@sah.on.ca.
- April 29 & 30, 2025 at 0800 hrs
- May 12 & 13, 2025 at 0800 hrs