1. What does “self-sufficiency” mean?
Self-sufficiency means that a National Resuscitation Council (NRC) can organise and control the quality of certain ERC courses in its own country, following ERC rules.
2. Who can become self-sufficient?
Only an NRC that has a formal agreement or Memorandum of Understanding with the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) can apply.
3. Does self-sufficiency apply to all courses?
No. It is granted per type of course and only for official ERC courses registered in CoSy.
4. Who gives self-sufficiency status?
The decision is made by the relevant ERC education leaders (SEC co-chairs), based on the application, course data in CoSy, and feedback from surveys.
If needed, an appeal can be made to the DC Edu as the final step.
5. How does an NRC apply?
The NRC must apply through the ERC Office for each course type. The application must include:
Details about the NRC
The course type
How quality control will be organised
A commitment to follow ERC Course Rules
If rejected, a new application can only be made after 12 months.
6. How long does self-sufficiency last?
It is granted for an unlimited time but can be withdrawn if standards are not maintained. Appeals are possible.
7. What must an NRC show to become self-sufficient?
The NRC must prove it has:
Enough resources, expertise, and experience
A strong quality control system
A formal written agreement with the ERC
Even so, all ERC courses remain under ERC education supervision.
8. What must an NRC do to keep self-sufficiency?
The NRC must:
Maintain and improve course quality
Promote the ERC course as the official national CPR course for that type
Be able to run courses without regular support from other countries
Handle complaints objectively
Assess Course Centres before renewing permissions
Organise audits when needed and report results via CoSy
Accept ERC audits
Send an annual national quality report to the ERC
9. Can self-sufficiency be checked?
Yes. The ERC can organise audits to review course quality and quality control systems.