Lesson 1Integration of reversible causes (Hs and Ts) into resuscitation and targeted diagnosticsThis section highlights the identification and management of reversible causes of arrest via the Hs and Ts framework, incorporating point-of-care diagnostics, precise interventions, and ongoing evaluation to address root causes and optimise resuscitation success.
Systematic review of Hs and Ts causesBedside indicators of hypoxia and hypovolaemiaDetecting acidosis, hypo/hyperkalaemiaSpotting tension pneumothorax and tamponadeSuspecting toxins, thrombosis, and traumaEmploying ultrasound and laboratory tests to direct treatmentLesson 2Defibrillation protocols: PAD, immediate analysis, shock intervals, energy settingsThis section outlines secure and efficient defibrillation practices, encompassing public access defibrillator deployment, prompt rhythm evaluation, decisions on shockable versus non-shockable rhythms, energy choices for monophasic and biphasic units, shock timing, and reducing pauses before and after shocks.
Indications for defibrillation in cardiac arrestPAD setup, pad positioning, and safety protocolsImmediate rhythm analysis and shock determinationsEnergy configurations for biphasic and monophasicSynchronising shocks with continuous compressionsPost-shock rhythm evaluation and responsesLesson 3Vascular access and medication delivery: IV/IO placement, drug selection, dosing, timing for epinephrine, amiodarone/lidocaineThis section covers securing intravenous or intraosseous access amid arrest, selecting optimal sites and equipment, choosing and administering resuscitation medications, scheduling epinephrine and antiarrhythmics, and guaranteeing precise, documented drug delivery.
Selecting IV versus IO access during arrestIV and IO insertion locations and methodsEpinephrine dosing and timing by rhythm typeAmiodarone and lidocaine indicationsFlushing, infusion, and line maintenance checksMedication logging and verification proceduresLesson 4Immediate scene management and 60-second primary actions (scene safety, call for help, BLS chain activation)This section examines the initial 60 seconds on scene, stressing responder safety, quick cardiac arrest detection, initiation of the basic life support sequence, prompt ambulance service activation, and urgent actions to avert delays in CPR and defibrillation.
Scene safety and personal protective equipmentSwift evaluation of responsiveness and breathingActivating ambulance services and BLS systemsPatient positioning and CPR preparationCoordinating bystanders in the first minuteLesson 5High-performance BLS: compression rate, depth, hand placement, minimising interruptionsThis section concentrates on providing superior basic life support, covering appropriate compression speed, depth, recoil, and hand positioning, reducing interruptions, combining ventilations, rotating compressors, and employing feedback tools to maximise circulation during arrest.
Ideal compression rate and depth goalsProper hand positioning and body mechanicsEnsuring complete chest recoil without leaningReducing pauses and handling rhythm assessmentsSynchronising compressions with ventilationsUtilising CPR feedback devices and metronomesLesson 6Cardiac rhythm recognition and algorithm application: VF/VT, PEA, asystole decision pathwaysThis section instructs learners in identifying critical arrest rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia, pulseless electrical activity, and asystole, and implementing advanced cardiac life support algorithms, incorporating rhythm checks, shock choices, drug administration, and continual reassessment in a systematic manner.
ECG characteristics of VF and pulseless VTDistinguishing PEA and true asystoleShockable versus non-shockable routesScheduling rhythm checks alongside compressionsIncorporating drugs into rhythm protocolsFrequent rhythm interpretation errorsLesson 7Advanced airway management in ALS: indications, sequence (OPA/NPA, SAD, endotracheal intubation), confirmation and continuous waveform capnographyThis section addresses advanced airway options in advanced life support, including criteria for use, sequential application of oropharyngeal airways, nasopharyngeal airways, and supraglottic devices, endotracheal intubation procedures, verification via continuous waveform capnography, and resolving airway issues.
Choosing basic versus advanced airway toolsOPA and NPA sizing, insertion, and common issuesSupraglottic airway positioning and securingEndotracheal intubation stages and precautionsWaveform capnography for tube verificationHandling airway blockage and displacementLesson 8Termination of resuscitation: criteria, documentation, family communication, and safe handover to emergency departmentThis section clarifies when and how to cease resuscitation efforts, encompassing clinical and legal standards, organised documentation, empathetic family discussions, and secure, collaborative transfer to the emergency department or other care teams.
On-scene and hospital termination standardsEvaluating futility and survival prospectsEssential medical and legal recordsConveying death and prognosis to familiesOrchestrating handover with emergency departmentLesson 9Team roles, closed-loop communication, leadership during resuscitation, task allocation and timingThis section fosters proficient resuscitation teams, emphasising defined role distribution, closed-loop communication, leadership under pressure, task ordering, critical intervention timing, and debriefing to elevate performance and patient results.
Assigning distinct roles pre- and during arrestClosed-loop communication principlesLeadership actions in high-pressure scenariosCoordinating tasks and intervention schedulesAddressing conflicts and mental overloadFormal post-event debriefing approaches
