Lesson 1Integration of reversible causes (Hs and Ts) into resuscitation and targeted diagnosticsThis section stresses identifying and treating reversible causes of arrest using the Hs and Ts framework, combining bedside diagnostics, targeted interventions, and ongoing reassessment to fix underlying issues and improve resuscitation results.
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 explains safe and effective defibrillation, including PAD use, quick rhythm analysis, shockable versus nonshockable decisions, energy selection for monophasic and biphasic devices, shock timing, and minimising pre- and post-shock pauses.
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 details establishing IV or IO access during arrest, choosing appropriate sites and devices, selecting and dosing resuscitation drugs, timing epinephrine and antiarrhythmics, and ensuring safe, accurate medication delivery and documentation.
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 at the scene, emphasising responder safety, rapid cardiac arrest recognition, activation of the BLS chain, early EMS call, and immediate life-saving actions that prevent delays in effective CPR and defibrillation.
Scene safety and personal protective equipmentRapid assessment of responsiveness and breathingActivating EMS and BLS response systemsPositioning patient and preparing for CPRCoordinating bystanders during first minuteLesson 5High-performance BLS: compression rate, depth, hand placement, minimising interruptionsThis section focuses on delivering high-quality BLS, including correct compression rate, depth, recoil, and hand placement, minimising pauses, integrating ventilations, rotating compressors, and using feedback devices to optimise 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 trains learners to recognise key arrest rhythms, including VF, pulseless VT, PEA, and asystole, and to apply ACLS algorithms, integrating rhythm checks, shock decisions, drug timing, and ongoing reassessment into a structured approach.
ECG features of VF and pulseless VTIdentifying PEA and true asystoleShockable versus nonshockable 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 covers advanced airway choices in ALS, including indications, stepwise use of OPA, NPA, and supraglottic devices, endotracheal intubation technique, confirmation with continuous waveform capnography, and troubleshooting airway complications.
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 stop resuscitation, including clinical and legal criteria, structured documentation, compassionate family communication, and safe, coordinated handover to emergency department or other receiving teams.
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 develops effective resuscitation teams, focusing on clear role assignment, closed-loop communication, leadership behaviours, task sequencing, timing of critical interventions, and debriefing to improve performance and patient outcomes.
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
