ASLS – AHA’s Advanced Stroke Life Support Provider and Instructor Courses

🧠 Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS) Overview

✅ Purpose

ASLS trains healthcare providers to:

• Recognize the five major stroke syndromes.
• Perform a focused neurological assessment using the MEND exam (Miami Emergency Neurologic Deficit).
• Determine the time of symptom onset.
• Triage patients to appropriate stroke centers.
• Understand the principles of prehospital and early hospital stroke management.

📘 Course Formats

1. Instructor-led Training:

• Conducted in person by AHA-certified ASLS instructors.
• Includes lectures, videos, skills practice, and testing stations.

2. Blended Learning (HeartCode® ASLS):

• Online self-directed learning with simulations.
• Followed by an in-person hands-on skills session with an instructor.

🎓 Target Audience

• EMS providers (EMTs, paramedics)
• Emergency nurses
• Stroke unit nurses
• Physicians (emergency, neurology, internal medicine)
• Advanced practice providers (PAs, NPs)

🧪 Course Content

• Stroke epidemiology and pathophysiology
• Use of the MEND exam
• Identification and differentiation of:
  • Ischemic stroke
  • Hemorrhagic stroke
  • Stroke mimics
• Prehospital stroke management and triage
• In-hospital stroke care pathways
• Use of thrombolytics and mechanical thrombectomy criteria

📜 Certification

• Course Completion Card: Issued upon passing written and skills exams.
• Validity: 2 years
• eCard: Digital certification issued via the AHA’s system.

📚 Course Materials

• ASLS Provider Manual (Print or eBook): Contains all essential course content.
• ASLS Instructor Manual: Required for instructors; includes lesson plans and teaching guidance.
• MEND exam tools and algorithms.

💡 Why ASLS is Important

• Provides critical training aligned with the latest stroke care guidelines.
• Helps reduce time-to-treatment, improving outcomes for stroke victims.
• Equips EMS and hospital providers with a common language and clinical approach.