Training Course on Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) & Pediatric ACLS (PALS) Certification

Module 1 – Fundamentals of Cardiac Emergencies
Subtopics & Theory:
Overview of cardiovascular physiology and pediatric differences.
Pathophysiology of cardiac arrest, shock, and arrhythmias.
Recognition of early warning signs and high-risk patients.
Importance of rapid response and chain of survival.
Practical Exercises:
Case study: identifying early signs of cardiac compromise.
Group discussion: review of adult vs. pediatric cardiac physiology.

Module 2 – Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Algorithms
Subtopics & Theory:
Adult cardiac arrest algorithms: ventricular fibrillation (VF), pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), asystole, pulseless electrical activity (PEA).
Bradycardia and tachycardia management.
Airway management, ventilation, and oxygenation.
ACLS pharmacology: epinephrine, amiodarone, adenosine, atropine, and others.
Team dynamics and leadership in resuscitation.
Practical Exercises:
Simulation: adult cardiac arrest scenario with full ACLS algorithm.
Skills stations: airway management, IV/IO access, defibrillation.
Team-based drills for effective communication and role allocation.

Module 3 – Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Algorithms
Subtopics & Theory:
Pediatric cardiac arrest and respiratory failure recognition.
PALS algorithms for shockable and non-shockable rhythms.
Age-appropriate airway management and ventilation strategies.
Pediatric drug dosing, fluid resuscitation, and equipment sizing.
Pediatric team-based resuscitation and family-centered care considerations.
Practical Exercises:
Simulation: pediatric cardiac arrest and respiratory distress scenarios.
Hands-on practice: pediatric airway management, bag-mask ventilation, defibrillation.
Role-play: pediatric resuscitation leadership and communication.

Module 4 – Special Resuscitation Considerations
Subtopics & Theory:
Resuscitation in patients with comorbidities: trauma, pregnancy, chronic illnesses.
Advanced interventions: synchronized cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing.
Post-resuscitation care: targeted temperature management, hemodynamic optimization.
Ethical considerations: do-not-resuscitate orders, end-of-life care decisions.
Practical Exercises:
Case studies: complex adult and pediatric resuscitation scenarios.
Simulation: advanced interventions including pacing and cardioversion.
Group discussion: ethical decision-making during resuscitation.

Module 5 – Certification Preparation and Competency Assessment
Subtopics & Theory:
Review of ACLS and PALS algorithms, key interventions, and pharmacology.
Examination preparation: written knowledge tests and practical skills review.
Simulation-based competency assessment for adult and pediatric scenarios.
Debriefing, feedback, and improvement strategies.
Practical Exercises:
High-fidelity simulation: full ACLS and PALS certification scenarios.
Skills testing: defibrillation, airway management, CPR quality, medication administration.
Final capstone: team-based resuscitation assessment for certification