Training Course on Elevating Critical Care: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (acls) Training Course

Module 1: Introduction to ACLS and Critical Care Fundamentals
Subtopics:
Overview of ACLS principles and evidence-based guidelines
Understanding cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology
Recognizing early signs of cardiac arrest and hemodynamic instability
Roles and responsibilities of healthcare providers during resuscitation
Practical Exercises:
Review of real case scenarios and discussion of intervention priorities
Identification of early warning signs in patient simulations
Assessment:
Quiz on ACLS fundamentals and cardiovascular physiology

Module 2: Basic Life Support (BLS) Refresher
Subtopics:
CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants
High-quality chest compressions and effective ventilation
Use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
Team dynamics during basic resuscitation
Practical Exercises:
Hands-on CPR practice using manikins
AED operation drills and feedback on compression quality
Assessment:
Skills test on CPR and AED proficiency

Module 3: Advanced Airway Management
Subtopics:
Airway anatomy and assessment
Endotracheal intubation and alternative airway devices
Bag-mask ventilation and oxygen therapy
Monitoring and troubleshooting advanced airway interventions
Practical Exercises:
Simulation-based intubation and airway placement
Bag-mask ventilation practice with real-time feedback
Assessment:
Competency checklist on advanced airway management skills

Module 4: Recognition and Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Subtopics:
ECG interpretation for common arrhythmias (VT, VF, asystole, PEA, bradycardia, tachycardia)
Identification of reversible causes (“Hs and Ts”)
Application of ACLS algorithms for arrhythmia management
Pharmacologic interventions and dose calculations
Practical Exercises:
Hands-on ECG reading and arrhythmia identification drills
Simulation of treatment scenarios including defibrillation and drug administration
Assessment:
Practical exercise: correct identification and management of arrhythmias in simulated scenarios

Module 5: ACLS Pharmacology
Subtopics:
Common ACLS medications: epinephrine, amiodarone, atropine, adenosine, vasopressin
Indications, contraindications, and side effects
Calculating appropriate doses and timing of administration
Integration of pharmacology into resuscitation algorithms
Practical Exercises:
Case-based pharmacology drills for cardiac arrest scenarios
Dose calculation exercises with immediate feedback
Assessment:
Written and practical test on drug selection and dosage accuracy

Module 6: Resuscitation Team Dynamics and Leadership
Subtopics:
Roles and responsibilities in a resuscitation team
Effective communication and closed-loop communication techniques
Leadership and delegation during high-stress emergencies
Debriefing and performance evaluation strategies
Practical Exercises:
Team-based simulated resuscitations
Role-playing exercises to practice leadership and coordination
Assessment:
Observation-based evaluation of team performance during scenarios

Module 7: Post-Resuscitation Care
Subtopics:
Monitoring vital signs and hemodynamics after resuscitation
Managing hypothermia, ventilation, and perfusion
Identifying and preventing post-cardiac arrest complications
Transition of care to ICU or advanced care settings
Practical Exercises:
Case simulation: post-resuscitation stabilization
Interpreting lab and monitoring data for ongoing patient care
Assessment:
Scenario-based evaluation of post-resuscitation interventions

Module 8: Special Resuscitation Situations
Subtopics:
Cardiac arrest in special populations: pregnancy, pediatrics, trauma
Management of acute coronary syndromes and stroke during resuscitation
Handling complex comorbidities and medication interactions
Disaster and mass-casualty resuscitation principles
Practical Exercises:
Simulation of resuscitation in high-risk or special populations
Problem-solving exercises for complex scenarios
Assessment:
Case-based assessment of scenario management

Module 9: Simulation-Based Learning and Debriefing
Subtopics:
High-fidelity simulation of cardiac emergencies
Conducting post-simulation debriefing sessions
Evaluating performance and identifying areas for improvement
Developing action plans for real-world implementation
Practical Exercises:
Full-scale ACLS simulation exercises with team participation
Structured debriefing and performance feedback
Assessment:
Performance evaluation using standardized checklists
Peer and instructor feedback integration

Module 10: Capstone Scenario-Based Project
Subtopics:
Integrated management of a simulated cardiac emergency from recognition to post-resuscitation care
Application of all ACLS protocols and skills learned
Team coordination, leadership, and decision-making under pressure
Documentation and reporting of interventions and outcomes
Practical Exercises:
Comprehensive simulated emergency scenario
Teams develop and present care plans with rationale for each intervention
Assessment:
Final capstone evaluation: practical demonstration of ACLS mastery
Submission of structured debrief report with reflections and learning points