Advanced Life Support (ALS)

The Advanced Life Support (ALS) Provider Course offered by Emergency Health Solutions (EHS) is a comprehensive 3-day (24-hour) training program designed for healthcare professionals who manage critically ill or injured adult patients. This course aligns with the latest international resuscitation guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Southern African Resuscitation Council (SARC), ensuring its direct applicability within the Zimbabwean healthcare context.

Course Overview:

Our ALS course builds upon foundational Basic Life Support (BLS) skills, equipping participants with advanced knowledge and critical interventions for a wide spectrum of medical emergencies, extending beyond just cardiac events. The curriculum integrates interactive lectures, hands-on skill stations, and realistic scenario simulations to prepare participants for effective patient management and leadership in high-pressure situations.

Key Learning Areas Include:

• Systematic Approach to Adult Assessment: Learning the systematic approach to the deteriorating patient, including BLS Survey, Primary Assessment (ABCDE), and Secondary Assessment (H's and T's), for early recognition and intervention.

• Cardiac Arrest Management: In-depth understanding and application of ALS algorithms for both shockable (Ventricular Fibrillation/Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia) and non-shockable (Asystole/Pulseless Electrical Activity) rhythms. This includes advanced airway management, defibrillation, and effective team dynamics.

• Peri-Arrest Management: Recognition and management of symptomatic bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias, including the use of pharmacological interventions and synchronized cardioversion.

• Emergency Pharmacology: Comprehensive review of key ALS medications, their indications, dosages, and administration routes (IV/IO).

• Advanced Airway Management: Techniques for securing and maintaining a patient's airway, including the use of supraglottic devices and principles of endotracheal intubation and confirmation.

• Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) & Stroke Management: Recognition and initial management of heart attacks and strokes, emphasizing time-sensitive assessment and interventions.

• Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Understanding the principles and goals of integrated post-resuscitation care to improve patient outcomes.

• Special Resuscitation Situations: Management strategies for cardiac arrest in specific contexts such as trauma, pregnancy, poisoning/overdose, electrolyte imbalances, and environmental emergencies.

• High-Performance Team Dynamics: Developing effective communication, leadership, and teamwork skills crucial for successful resuscitation outcomes.

Target Audience:

This course is essential for healthcare professionals including Registered Nurses, Doctors, Paramedics, Final Year Student Nurses, and Final Year Medical Students.

Certification:

Upon successful completion of both theoretical (written exam) and practical (mega-code scenario) assessments, participants will receive an EHS ALS Provider Course Completion Certificate, valid for two years.