EMT-B With ACLS
- Thread starter Jacedc
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no, they should not.
JPINFV
Gadfly
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If they are, their instructor may find themselves sanctioned and while they may have a card, it will likely be invalidated by any reputable establishment.
JPINFV
Gadfly
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Is there anything that limits who can take ACLS?
Yes,
Who can be certified is outlined in both the instructor manual of the respective discipline and by AHA policy which all instructors agree to abide by the terms of.
It was determined several years ago(easily 10 maybe more) that Basic EMTs do not possess the scope of practice, knowledge base, or skill set to demonstrate competency as being capable to perform ACLS or PALS interventions.
They are permitted to audit the class, they are not permitted to be certified.
From http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAn...fe-Support---Classroom_UCM_306643_Article.jsp
"ACLS is designed for healthcare professionals who either direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest and other cardiovascular emergencies. This includes personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care and critical care units."
Sorry the prior reply was not there when I typed this. I was just looking on the website. Makes sense what Ven said.
"ACLS is designed for healthcare professionals who either direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest and other cardiovascular emergencies. This includes personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care and critical care units."
Sorry the prior reply was not there when I typed this. I was just looking on the website. Makes sense what Ven said.
JPINFV
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The funny thing is that ACLS certification does not lead to a knowledge base or skill set to be able to demonstrate competency in ACLS.
I agree with this.
I actually had to get permission from AHA HQ once for an exercise physiologist who was tasked with performing stress tests for an institution.
Since her title was not listed as authorized, I had to demonstrate it was in her official duty and scope to perform the various skills.
It was a major pain, she aced both the written and practical and is now an instructor.
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I'm confused, I know of ACLS courses for EMT-Basic providers that is actually quite popular. One is provided by a local community college and I know that an EMS convention also provides a multiple day course. There is even a book on the subject.
Unlike many of the opinions in this thread, I see nothing wrong with an EMT-Basic taking the ACLS course. Quite contrary, I think that an EMT-Basic may even have more knowledge than those taking the course. I'm surprised at the lack of knowledge by practicing healthcare providers at my AHA Healthcare Provider courses, I would imagine it's very similar for ACLS.
Unlike many of the opinions in this thread, I see nothing wrong with an EMT-Basic taking the ACLS course. Quite contrary, I think that an EMT-Basic may even have more knowledge than those taking the course. I'm surprised at the lack of knowledge by practicing healthcare providers at my AHA Healthcare Provider courses, I would imagine it's very similar for ACLS.
Bullets
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This, took PEPP/PHTLS and ACLS at a convention, just got CEUs though, no card
I believe you have been gravely misinformed about the AHA ACLS course.
There should have been no problem with an Exercise Physiologist taking the course. They have been in ACLS classes for at least the past 20 some years that I can remember with no issues. Their knowledge in this area is very impressive especially since cardiac testing of various types is their thing. Exercise Physiologists are required to have ACLS in most any clinical situation especially in the hospitals. It is also taught as part of their Masters program and they are expected to have it before they get their degree.
There is nothing stopping anyone from taking an ACLS course except for limited seats. Some places can limit the seats to their own employees or those in certain professions.
There are also ACLS courses specifically designed for EMT-Bs through various agencies and for those who have an advanced understanding of the course or Experienced Provider through the AHA.
JPINFV
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There's a difference between what is essentially a "paramedic assistant" CE book and ACLS. ACLS for the EMT-B is using the term "ACLS" more in the sense of "BLS = EMT, ACLS = Paramedics."
bstone
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Really? A few years ago I had a partner who was both an EMT-B and ACLS Instructor.
zmedic
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When I was an EMT I was allowed to audit the ACLS class. Because I wasn't a medic I couldn't get a card but I was able to sit in on all the classes, participate in all the scenarios. I found it useful since I worked on an ALS rig with a medic, and was able to start IVs (in Colorado). So it was nice to know the flow of an arrest, to be able to look at the monitor and anticipate what meds the medic would want. Good prep for med school too. I think they cut me a deal on the tuition since I couldn't be certified.
Nothing wrong with more education, and even if not getting the cert should should be able to claim ACLS/PALS/PHTLS etc for CE credit.
Nothing wrong with more education, and even if not getting the cert should should be able to claim ACLS/PALS/PHTLS etc for CE credit.
bstone
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Saying that an EMT-B cannot take ACLS (and that those doing the instruction risk professional censure) is like saying a an undergraduate student cannot take a graduate level course because they do not yet have an undergraduate degree. This is absurd. I took two 600 level classes when I was in college. Should my dean have faced professional censure?
mct601
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EpiEMS
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Granted, I'm neither a paramedic student, nor will I likely ever become a medic (I may do an AEMT cert), but I'd like to audit ACLS so I can work better to anticipate the ALS provider's needs and understand why they're doing what they're doing. I can't help but feel that it'll make me more confident and more useful.
mct601
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If you're interested in sitting in an ACLS class, there's absolutely no reason you shouldn't be able to attend one. Call the local places who do classes and ask. At my agency I can do it for CEUs, I just can't certify in it. I can sit in on any ALS class for CEUs including refreshers. I've sat in on my fair share of them to get my CEUs (then when into paramedic school. I'm surprised NREMT didn't refuse my letter when I listed the amount of CEUs I had haha).
ACLS is a very good class, if local classes will allow BLS providers to sit in for CEUs I think its a good idea to get an idea of what's going on during a cardiac arrest. But thats just me.