Lesson 1Integration of reversible causes (Hs and Ts) into resuscitation and targeted diagnosticsThis section stresses spotting and treating reversible causes of arrest using the Hs and Ts framework, combining bedside diagnostics, targeted treatments, and ongoing checks to fix underlying issues and enhance resuscitation results in the field.
Systematic review of Hs and Ts causesBedside clues to hypoxia and hypovolaemiaRecognising acidosis, hypo/hyperkalaemiaIdentifying tension pneumothorax and tamponadeSuspecting toxins, thrombosis, and traumaUsing ultrasound and labs to guide treatmentLesson 2Defibrillation protocols: PAD, immediate analysis, shock intervals, energy settingsThis section covers safe and effective defibrillation, including public access defibrillator use, quick rhythm checks, decisions on shockable vs non-shockable rhythms, energy choices for monophasic and biphasic devices, shock timing, and reducing pauses before and after shocks in emergency situations.
Indications for defibrillation in cardiac arrestPAD setup, pad placement, and safety checksImmediate rhythm analysis and shock decisionsEnergy settings for biphasic and monophasicCoordinating shocks with ongoing compressionsPost-shock rhythm reassessment and actionsLesson 3Vascular access and medication delivery: IV/IO placement, drug selection, dosing, timing for epinephrine, amiodarone/lidocaineThis section outlines setting up IV or IO access during arrest, selecting suitable sites and devices, choosing and dosing resuscitation drugs, timing epinephrine and antiarrhythmics, and ensuring safe, precise medication delivery and recording in prehospital care.
Choosing IV versus IO access during arrestIV and IO insertion sites and techniquesEpinephrine dosing and timing by rhythmAmiodarone and lidocaine indicationsFlushing, infusion, and line patency checksMedication tracking and double-check systemsLesson 4Immediate scene management and 60-second primary actions (scene safety, call for help, BLS chain activation)This section details the first 60 seconds on scene, focusing on responder safety, fast cardiac arrest recognition, activating the basic life support chain, early ambulance call, and immediate life-saving steps to avoid delays in effective CPR and defibrillation.
Scene safety and personal protective equipmentRapid assessment of responsiveness and breathingActivating ambulance and BLS response systemsPositioning patient and preparing for CPRCoordinating bystanders during first minuteLesson 5High-performance BLS: compression rate, depth, hand placement, minimising interruptionsThis section concentrates on delivering top-quality basic life support, covering correct compression rate, depth, recoil, and hand position, reducing pauses, combining ventilations, rotating compressors, and using feedback devices to maximise perfusion during arrest.
Optimal compression rate and depth targetsCorrect hand placement and body mechanicsEnsuring full chest recoil and avoiding leaningMinimising pauses and managing rhythm checksCoordinating compressions with ventilationsUsing CPR feedback devices and metronomesLesson 6Cardiac rhythm recognition and algorithm application: VF/VT, PEA, asystole decision pathwaysThis section teaches learners to identify key arrest rhythms like VF, pulseless VT, PEA, and asystole, and apply advanced cardiac life support algorithms, incorporating rhythm checks, shock decisions, drug timing, and continuous reassessment in a structured way.
ECG features of VF and pulseless VTIdentifying PEA and true asystoleShockable versus non-shockable pathwaysTiming rhythm checks with compressionsIntegrating drugs into rhythm algorithmsCommon rhythm interpretation pitfallsLesson 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 when to use them, step-by-step application of oropharyngeal airways, nasopharyngeal airways, supraglottic devices, endotracheal intubation methods, confirmation via continuous waveform capnography, and fixing airway issues.
Selecting basic versus advanced airway devicesOPA and NPA sizing, insertion, and pitfallsSupraglottic airway placement and fixationEndotracheal intubation steps and safetyWaveform capnography for tube confirmationManaging airway obstruction and dislodgementLesson 8Termination of resuscitation: criteria, documentation, family communication, and safe handover to emergency departmentThis section explains when and how to end resuscitation efforts, covering clinical and legal criteria, thorough documentation, compassionate talks with families, and safe, organised handover to the emergency department or other teams in New Zealand hospitals.
Field and in-hospital termination criteriaAssessing futility and likelihood of survivalRequired medical and legal documentationCommunicating death and prognosis to familiesCoordinating handover with emergency departmentLesson 9Team roles, closed-loop communication, leadership during resuscitation, task allocation and timingThis section builds strong resuscitation teams, emphasising clear role assignments, closed-loop communication, leadership under pressure, task sequencing, timing of key interventions, and debriefing to enhance performance and patient outcomes in the field.
Assigning clear roles before and during arrestPrinciples of closed-loop communicationLeadership behaviours under high stressCoordinating tasks and intervention timingManaging conflicts and cognitive overloadStructured post-event debriefing methods
