ACLS Training: Which Professionals Need It?

What would you do if someone you know suddenly has a heart attack in front of you? Ideally, you’re able to perform basic CPR and other life-resuscitation methods until medical support arrives. But sometimes it takes a lot more than that to save someone’s life. Once that patient arrives at a hospital or any emergency care facility, medical professionals have tools and training to give advanced intervention. One of those is ACLS.

ACLS means Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Also known in the medical world as "Code Blue Management", the art of dealing with cardiac arrest. It is very special training that is provided to medical professionals who respond to emergency situations – from the team who arrives in the ambulance, to the nurses and doctors who meet you in the emergency room, or even to caregivers or nursing home staff.

WHO NEEDS TO KNOW ACLS?

ACLS classes and certifications are only available for people who have prior medical background. While anyone can take it, there are some people who are more likely to need this kind of special emergency care training. These include:

• Nurses and nurse’s aides. When there’s a life threatening situation, both doctors and nurses need to be able to act quickly. ACLS training can provide nurses with the confidence and experience to handle these emergency situations. A nurse with ACLS training can give the best support to the doctor in charge, either by recording or helping with the preparation of medication. They are also trained in reading algorithms to determine which steps should be taken given a patient’s particular case.
• Paramedics. They are the first to arrive at any 911 call. Their ACLS training will allow them to save or stabilize a patient until they arrive at a hospital. IN many cases, their interventions will make the difference between a patient getting a chance at survival or being declared dead on arrival.
• Caregivers seeking better competitive career opportunities. By the very nature of their profession, caregivers with nursing degrees take care of patients who are at very high risk. However, the medical industry is very competitive. An ACLS certification is also a competitive advantage for independent caregivers who are seeking employment, or allow them to expand employment opportunities with hospitals and emergency care facilities.

Not all nurses in hospitals may need ACLS training; it depends on where you are assigned. For example, those who work in intensive care, same day surgery or cancer may need to know ACLS more than someone who works in the orthopedics or dermatology department. Nevertheless, cardiac arrest can happen anytime and anywhere, and an ACLS certification can help you be prepared for any situation or career advancement.

HOW TO GET ACLS TRAINING

ACLS training is offered both in medical facilities and through online programs. It is challenging for many medical professionals to make the time for any kind of study – with all those long shifts, it may even be challenging for them to get 3 square meals a day. Nevertheless, an ACLS certification can make a difference not only in your career but in somebody’s life. Prioritize your ACLS training and have the knowledge and skill for emergency situations.

Go CPR NY 6400 Saunders Street Rego Park, NY 11374 (718) 785-5559 http://www.gocprny.com