Review

This course is suitable for all professionals who would be expected to manage acute medical emergencies, either in-hospital or in a pre-hospital setting. It forms a fairly generic knowledge and skill base and is an excellent foundation for further courses in more specific clinical areas.

The course is run by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and is recognized across Europe. It is currently valid for 4 years. A course manual is provided a month in advance with an associated pre-course MCQ. The course itself covers a two day period and assumes knowledge of Basic Life Support. Tuition is based mainly on small group and workshop sessions, with occasional lectures to cover core subjects.

General areas covered by the ALS course are:

• Cardiac Arrest Treatment Algorithm
• Acute Coronary Syndromes
• Causes and Prevention of Cardiac Arrest
• Post Resuscitation Care
• Ethics / Legal Aspects / DNAR

The main skills stations teach:

• Airway Management
• Monitoring and Rhythm Recognition
• Tachydardias and Bradycardias
• Blood Gases
• Special Circumstances

Much of the scenario teaching and practice is role-play based in a small group setting of usually 3 or 4 other candidates.

The assessment, at the end of the second day, consists of an MCQ paper and clinical scenario which cover the core elements of the two days teaching.

Dr Jon Bingham
MBChB MRCP

Link to website

^ Top of Page