ALS courses are viewed as critical courses and not ancillary training for healthcare workers who practice in ER, acute or critical care environments. There are multiple paths to accreditation and multiple course formats to choose from, so it can be challenging to determine which one is right for a specific career, time or experience. But it makes a huge difference when you take time to understand these differences before you decide which training is right for you—it’s much easier to select training that is actually relevant to your clinical needs and commitments, versus just signing up for the next available course and location.
Types of ALS Courses and Accreditation Pathways
Most ALS courses are offered by two major accrediting organizations, each with some minor variations. All ARC accredited courses are attended in person and ALS1 is usually a one day full course, ALS2 an extended two day full course. Resuscitation Australia (RA) courses, however, are blended (computer based eLearning followed by a shorter in-person session) and are recommended for students who are studying and have a heavy workload. In addition to these basic ALS1 and ALS2 courses, there are also numerous courses available related to ALS1 and ALS2, such as Paediatric als courses sydney and recertification courses, which are available for clinicians who require more specialised or refresher level training. Some providers also provide extra simulation-based master classes for clinicians who are looking for building on their existing ALS skills.
What Happens During an ALS Course
Either way, ALS courses include a substantial amount of hands-on experience and theory. These sessions include vital principles including airway management, ECG interpretation, defibrillation and team dynamics for an effective resuscitation response as well as pharmacology. Practical components usually involve manikins and clinical simulation technology, enabling participants to simulate real-world emergencies with support and guidance from experts. Training sites are typically located in the heart of major cities, with the aim of making it easy for individuals to attend by being located close to major hospitals. Classes are typically small in size, allowing teachers to offer tailored, authentic feedback during the class, and not just from the rear of the class.
Benefits of Ongoing Training and Recertification
There is much more to completing ALS courses than a workplace requirement. The muscle memory gained with hands-on, repetitive practice means that during an actual emergency, these clinicians will be able to react quickly and with confidence, not faltering. By keeping up to date with training, professionals will continue to be up to date with the latest resuscitation guidelines, which are reviewed and updated based on new clinical evidence. Many healthcare professionals are required to also maintain current certification in ALS, which means recertification is not only a professional requirement, but a practical one as well. In addition to individual skills, well-trained teams will communicate more smoothly in an emergency, with each team member knowing his or her role and acting without hesitation. Making the right course choice early on, with ARC or RA, will make it easier to remain current, confident and ready to respond when it matters most.
