Introduction

The ACLS Course is designed for healthcare providers who either direct or participate in the resuscitation of a patient whether in or out of hospital. ACLS is based on simulated clinical scenarios that encourage active, hands on participation through learning stations where students will practice essential skills individually, as part of a team, and as team leader.

Realistic simulations reinforce the following key concepts: proficiency in basic life support care; recognising and initiating early management of peri arrest conditions; managing cardiac arrest; identifying and treating ischemic chest pain and acute coronary syndromes; recognising other life threatening clinical situations (such as stroke) and providing initial care; ACLS algorithms; and effective resuscitation team dynamics. The ACLS course is available in a number of different formats, see details below:

ACLS PROVIDER COURSE  

The ACLS Provider Course is a two day course and upon successful completion of the course candidates receive an Irish Heart Foundation / American Heart Association ACLS Provider Card. It is a requisite that all students attending an ACLS Provider Course must have current BLS for Healthcare Provider Certification.

ONE DAY ACLS RECERTIFICATION COURSE

This course has been designed for individuals that have current ACLS Provider Certification that is due to lapse soon and wish to renew their certification. The recommended renewal period for all ACLS courses is two years. It is a requisite that all students attending an ACLS Recertification Course must have current BLS for Healthcare Provider Certification.

The ACLS Recertification Course is a one day course and upon successful completion of the course candidates receive an Irish Heart Foundation / American Heart Association ACLS Provider Card. 

HEARTCODE ACLS COURSE

The Heartcode ACLS Course is an interactive, self directed, comprehensive e-learning programme using the Heartcode ACLS Interactive CD Rom. The programme is delivered using realistic patient scenarios for the ten core ACLS cases. The course provides an alternative to traditional, classroom based training and students have the opportunity to learn at their own pace with instant feedback and debriefing.

The Heartcode ACLS Course consists of three separate elements. Part one consists of successfully completing interactive cognitive skills including patient scenarios using an interactive CD Rom. While interacting with the programme, students assess each patient, formulate a treatment plan based on ACLS guidelines and provide treatment. Part two allows for skills practice in groups in a classroom. This is followed by part three which is the completion of skills assessments where both CPR/AED and megacode skills assessments are completed.

This course can be completed by candidates regardless if they have completed an ACLS Provider Course before or not however it may be more suitable for those who have experience or are working in the emergency or critical care areas. Those without this experience or who haven’t completed an ACLS Provider Course previously may find the standard two-day ACLS Provider Course more suitable.

As with any of the ACLS Provider Courses it is a requisite that all students must have current BLS for Healthcare Provider Certification. Please be aware that the Heartcode ACLS CD Rom is not MAC compatible. Upon successful completion of the course candidates receive an Irish Heart Foundation / American Heart Association ACLS Provider Card.