CPR mannequins are used in ACLS training.
ACLS stands for Advanced Cardiac Life Support. It is an American Heart Association CPR certification course for professionals who respond to medical emergencies. The course includes basic life support, cardiac arrest management, stroke recognition and treatment and transfer of care. ACLS is more in-depth than basic CPR and focuses on team communication since medical professionals typically work together as first responders. Modification of the initial ACLS course depends upon the provider classification of participants, such as experienced, pediatric and cardiac pharmacology.
Instructions
Experienced Providers
1. Set up four stations before class begins. Each station simulates a different cardiac emergency using CPR mannequins as patients. The station 1 patient is having a standard heart attack, patient 2 has an associated metabolic or electrolyte abnormality, patient 3 has a toxicology emergency, and patient 4 requires special resuscitation such as a tracheal tube.
2. Welcome the class. Pass out ACLS student manuals, mouth guards and bag masks. Conduct the BLS and AED skills evaluation with an AED simulator and using worksheets in the ACLS instructor manual. Perform an oral assessment of ACLS provider actions.
3. Escort class participants to station 1. Present the situation. Ask participants to explain and demonstrate action steps. Correct and guide answers as necessary. Continue this process for stations 2 to 4.
4. Distribute the written ACLS examination as provided in the instructor manual. Allow participants time as needed for completion. Score examinations with all participants present and review missed items.
Pediatric Specialists
5. Set up three stations prior to class using CPR mannequins as patients. Station 1 patient simulates a respiratory emergency, patient 2 has rhythmic disturbances that require electrical therapy, and patient 3 requires treatment with vascular access.
6. Welcome the class. Pass out ACLS student manuals, mouth guards and bag masks. Validate skills for one and two rescuer adult, child and infant CPR with AED. Conduct the BLS skills evaluation. Perform an oral assessment of ACLS provider actions.
7. Accompany class participants to station 1. Present the situation. Ask participants to explain and demonstrate action steps. Correct and guide answers as necessary. Continue this process for stations 2 and 3.
8. Conduct core case discussions on pediatric assessment, treating shock, team communication and using a systematic approach.
9. Distribute the written ACLS examination with the PALS attachment as provided in the instructor manual. Allow participants time as needed for completion. Score examinations with all participants present and review missed items.
Cardiac Pharmacology
10. Welcome the class. Pass out ACLS student manuals, mouth guards and bag masks. Conduct the BLS and AED skills evaluation with an AED simulator and using worksheets in the ACLS instructor manual. Perform an oral assessment of ACLS provider actions.
11. Review the anatomy of the heart, basic electrophysiology and heart arrhythmias. Identify through class discussion normal and abnormal electrocardiogram measurements.
12. Categorize basic ACLS drugs, their usage and dosage guidelines. Demonstrate administration routes. Ask participants to practice drug administration skills.
13. Invite participants to offer suggestions, experience and/or questions. Thank them for their time and dismiss class.
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