Course Sheet
MASTER COURSE OUTLINE
A. EMER 1410 Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider Course
B. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This American Heart Association (AHA) course allows health care providers to enhance skills in the treatment of the adult victim of a cardiac arrest or other cardiopulmonary emergencies. This course emphasizes the importance of basic life support cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to patient survival, the integration of effective basic life support with advanced cardiovascular life support interventions, and the importance of effective team interaction and communication during resuscitation (AHA, 2008). This course is designed for medical providers such as physicians, nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and other professionals who may respond to a cardiovascular emergency (AHA, 2008). Prerequisites: EMER 1405, completion of professional nursing program, NURS 2040, licensed MD, RN, Paramedic, Respiratory Therapist, or instructor approval. (1 Cr – 1 lect, 0 lab)
C. **Core Theme: Critical Thinking
D. MAJOR CONTENT AREAS:
Basic life support care Early management of conditions Managing cardiac arrest Identification and treatment of chest pain and acute coronary syndromes ACLS algorithms and medications Team dynamics
E. GOAL TYPES, OBJECTIVES, AND OUTCOMES:
GOAL OBJECTIVES OUTCOMES Students will be able to The student will successfully **Critical analyze the logical connections among the 1. define the key elements of Thinking facts, goals, and implicit assumptions assessment, intervention, ACLS relevant to a problem or claim: generate and rhythm identification and evaluate implications that follow from ACLS drug therapy. them. CS recognize and initiate early management of 1. demonstrate utilization of the peri-arrest conditions that may result in basic life support (BLS) cardiac arrest or complicate resuscitation Primary Survey and ACLS outcome. Secondary Survey with critical actions. 1
2. describe specific assessment and management that occur with each step of the systematic approach. 3. describe how to apply this approach to almost all cardiopulmonary emergencies. CS understand effective communication as a 1. describe the importance of team member or leader of a resuscitation team members understanding their and recognize the impact of team dynamics roles and the role of the team on overall team performance. leader. 2. describe the importance of the team leader’s understanding of their role and the role of the team members. 3. describe why the foundation of successful resuscitations includes both mastery of basic skills and effective team dynamics. 4. describe the important elements of effective resuscitation team dynamics. 5. demonstrate effective communication as a member of a simulated resuscitation team. CS understand appropriate assessment, 1. describe use of the BLS intervention, and management options for primary and ACLS Secondary an unconscious, unresponsive adult patient Surveys in a patient in in respiratory arrest. respiratory arrest with a pulse. 2. describe the clinical situations in which the following airway adjuncts may be used for airway management: oropharyngeal airway (OPA), nasopharyngeal airway (NPA), bag-mask ventilation, advanced airway. 3. demonstrate airway management utilizing OPA, NPA, bag-mask ventilation and advanced airway techniques. CS understand management of a patient in 1. identify a patient who may be in cardiac arrest in an out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation, emergency. (VF)/pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT). 2. demonstrate implementation of the BLS Healthcare Provider Algorithm. 3. demonstrate 1-rescuer CPR. 4. demonstrate operation of an automated external defibrillator (AED). CS understand assessment and actions used for 1. demonstrate management of cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation, VF/pulseless, VT, and PEA (VF) pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), according the ACLS Pulseless and pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Arrest Algorithm. 2. describe indications, contraindications, doses, and routes of administration for 2
drugs recommended for refractory VF/pulseless, VT, and PEA. 3. demonstrate defibrillation with minimal interruption of chest compressions. 4. demonstrate coordination of team functions while ensuring continuous high-quality CPR, defibrillation and rhythm assessment. CS understand identification and treatment of 1. demonstrate applying the ACLS ischemic chest pain and expedite the care of acute coronary syndromes patients with acute coronary syndromes. (ACS) algorithm including the initial use of drugs, doses, and strategies. 2. describe early identification, risk stratification, and treatment of patients with ACS. CS understand other life-threatening clinical 1. describe the major signs and situations, such as stroke, and provide symptoms of stroke. effective initial care and transfer to reduce 2. demonstrate the use out-of- disability and death. hospital stroke scales (screening tools) to identify patients with suspected stroke. 3. apply the 7 D’s of stroke care and explain why timely action is crucial. 4. describe benefits of rapid transport to a healthcare facility capable of providing acute stroke care when stroke is suspected. CS understand ACLS algorithms and 1. describe actions, indications, administration of medication. precautions, contraindications, dosage, and administration of medications to patients. 2. demonstrate the ability to identify different ACLS algorithms.
F. SPECIAL INFORMATION:
This course may require use of the Internet, the submission of electronically prepared documents and the use of a course management software program. Students who have a disability and need accommodations should contact the instructor or the Student Success Center at the beginning of the semester. This information will be made available in alternative format, such as Braille, large print, or current media, upon request.
G. COURSE CODING INFORMATION:
Course Code X/Class Maximum 20; Pass/No Credit
Revision date: 03/02/11 AASC Approval date: 03/22/11 3
*Riverland Community College MnTC Goal Disciplines Number
Communication (CM) 1 Natural Sciences (NS) 3 Mathematics/Logical Reasoning (MA) 4 History and the Social & Behavioral 5 Sciences (SS) Humanities and Fine Arts (HU) 6
**Riverland Community College Core MnTC Goal Themes Number Critical Thinking (CT) 2 Human Diversity (HD) 7 Global Perspective (GP) 8 Ethical and Civic Responsibility (EC) 9 People and the Environment (PE) 10
*These five MnTC Goals have been identified as Riverland Community College Disciplines. ** These five MnTC Goals have been identified as Riverland Community College Core Themes. NOTE: The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum “10 Goal Areas of Emphasis” are reflected in the five required discipline areas and five core themes noted in the Riverland Community College program of study guide and/or college catalog.
4