BASIC LIFE SUPPORT/ ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT (BLS/ACLS) TRAINING WORKSHOP

Nepal Health Corps – NGMC (2022-23)

Background

Basic life support (BLS) is a level of medical care which is used for victims of life threatening illness or injuries until they can be given full medical care at hospital. It can be provided by trained medical personnel, including emergency medical technicians, paramedics and by qualified bystanders.

Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) is a set of algorithm to treat conditions ranging from cardiac arrest and myocardial infarctions to stroke and other life-threatening emergencies. Algorithms are a set of standard guidelines that improve the speed, effectiveness and outcomes of ACLS.

From the beginning of medical school, medical students are always looking froward to do something practical and skill based instead of just reading of textbook. And during internship when medical students finally get that full exposure with patient care learning skill that would save a life is the most fascinating thing.

Rationale

When interns have to attend patients where they must perform the necessary actions to save a life. That’s when BLS/ACLS is needed. And the skills and hand on knowledge on mind is the prior necessity.

Healthcare professionals are expected to have knowledge of basic and advanced cardiac life support (BLS/ACLS) to revive unresponsive patients. Yet some of them tend to have inadequate knowledge of BLS/ ACLS illuminating lack in existing training systems and redressal.

So to provide interns with adequate hands-on-how to perform BLS/ACLS, ability to delegate tasks during this process and manage the high pressure emergency situations we felt a dire need to provide training on BLS/ACLS to improve their knowledge and competence.

Objectives

•  To familiarize participants with ACLS algorithms and protocols.
• To develop participants competence in performing essential ACLS procedures.
• To enhance participants decision-making abilities in critical cardiac situations.
• To facilitate teamwork and effective communication during resuscitation efforts.

Activities

Two sessions of ALS/BLS workshop was carried out.

1st Session

Date: 2079 Ashar 18 th and 25 th (2022 July 2^nd and 9^th  )

Location: Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur, Banke

Number of participants: 20

2nd Session

Date: 2079 Shrawn 14^th and 21^st (2022 July 30^th  and August 6^th )

Location: Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur, Banke

Number of participants: 20

Duration: The workshop was conducted over a span of two consecutive weekends.

Participants: The workshop included 20 intern medical students from Nepalgunj Medical College.

Facilitators: The Head of Department of Department of Anesthesia of Nepalgunj Medical College, Prof. Dr. Resham Rana led the training sessions. A team of consultants and residents from Anesthesia department volunteered their support in the teaching learning process.

Curriculum: The workshop covered various topics including ACLS algorithms, recognition of cardiac rhythms, airway management, defibrillation, drug administration, and team dynamics.

Workshop Highlights

The workshop commenced with an introductory session, highlighting the significance of ACLS and the Workshop objectives.

Didactic Sessions: The instructors delivered comprehensive lectures on ACLS principles, focusing on key concepts and algorithms.

Skill Stations: Participants engaged in hands-on practice at skill stations, which included airway management, defibrillation, CPR techniques, and medication administration.

Case Scenarios: Simulated cardiac emergency scenarios were conducted to allow participants to apply their knowledge and skills in realistic situations.

Teamwork and Communication: Emphasis was placed on effective communication, leadership, and teamwork during resuscitation efforts.

 Assessment: Participants progress was assessed through MCQ exams and practical evaluations, ensuring comprehension and competency in ACLS procedures before providing certification of participation.

Result and Outcomes

• The workshop successfully enhanced participants understanding of ACLS algorithms, cardiac rhythms, and management strategies.
• Through hands-on training and simulated scenarios, participants developed proficiency in performing essential ACLS procedures, including airway management, defibrillation, and drug administration.
• Participants demonstrated improved decision-making abilities in critical cardiac situations, applying ACLS algorithms effectively.
• The workshop promoted effective teamwork and communication skills among participants, vital for successful resuscitation efforts.
• All participants received ACLS certification upon successful completion of the workshop.

Budget

1. Trainer cost = Rs. 10,000 for each session (*2 session = Rs. 20,000)
2. Stationeries
   • Banner = Rs. 750
   • Invitation card = Rs. 100
   • ID cards (20 participants and 4 trainers) = Rs. 850 (*2 session = Rs. 1700)
   • Copy = Rs. 600 (*2 session = Rs. 1200)
   • Pen = Rs. 125 (*2 session = Rs. 250)
   • Snacks = Rs. 2400 (*2 session = Rs. 4800)
   • Certificates = Rs. 2400 (*2 session = Rs. 4800)

Total Expenditure = Rs. 33,600

Annex