2018 Focused Updates for ACLS and PALS

Dear AHA Training Network & Volunteers, Today, in cooperation with the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), the AHA published the 2018 AHA Focused Updates on Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (2018 Focused Updates). The 2018 Focused Updates represent our move to a continuous evidence evaluation process and more frequent focused updates. Continuous evidence evaluation allows the rigor of a comprehensive review and expert consensus in as close to real time as possible. Prior to 2017, the official AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC had been updated every five years. Updates include the following: Amiodarone or lidocaine may be considered for Ventricular Fibrillation/pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VF/pVT) that is unresponsive to defibrillation. These drugs may be particularly useful for patients with witnessed arrest, for whom time to drug administration may be shorter. Lidocaine has been added to the ACLS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm and the ACLS Cardiac Arrest Circular Algorithm for treatment of shock-refractory VF/pVT. The routine use of Magnesium for cardiac arrest is not recommended in adult patients. Magnesium may be considered for torsades de pointes (i.e., polymorphic VT associated with long QT interval).   There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the routine use of a β-blocker early (within the first hour) after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).   There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the routine use of lidocaine early (within the first hour) after ROSC. In the absence of contraindications, the prophylactic use of lidocaine may be considered in specific circumstances (such as during emergency medical services transport) when treatment of recurrent VF/pVT might prove to be challenging.   While there are no changes to the depiction of sequences and therapies from the 2015 PALS algorithm, some minor edits have been made to the PALS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm in 2018 to be consistent with language in the ACLS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm. For the 2018 Focused Updates, there will be no changes to products and no new materials are required. However, the AHA offers the following guidance for training ACLS and PALS providers: Instructors may allow students to practice using either amiodarone or lidocaine during CPR in ACLS, ACLS EP, and PALS courses, consistent with the student’s local protocol. For testing purposes, AHA Instructors will continue to use the ACLS and PALS Skills Testing Checklists and the Skills Testing Critical Skills Descriptors. For more information, AHA Instructors should visit the AHA Instructor Network (News & Archives section) to review the document, “2018 Focused Updates: Implications for Training ACLS and PALS Providers,” and the FAQ. International users also may view translated tools at cprverify.org. To view the 2018 Focused Updates and the highlights of the 2018 Focused Updates, please visit the ECC Guidelines website. Thank you for everything you do to contribute to the mission of saving lives. Sincerely, AHA CPR & ECC

qCPR Requirement - Reminder

This is a reminder that all adult CPR manikins are required to have feedback by January 31st, 2019. We have started the process of purchasing upgrade kits for our manikins at F-M Ambulance. In doing so, we have found that there is already a significant delay in shipment. I recommend ordering upgrade kits or replacement manikins sooner rather than later.


I have placed links to qCPR distributors on the main page of our blog (on the left side panel). You can follow this link to read more about the requirements.


Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions. I will be more than happy to assist you. This is a big change for all.


Tyler DeKrey
AHA/NAEMT Coordinator, EVDT
Sanford Health EMS Education
701-364-1729
tyler.dekrey@sanfordhealth.org




Goodbye Paper Cards

F-M Ambulance TC Members,




We have completed the renewal process for our Training Center. This means that we are no longer allowed to issue paper course completion cards.


Please destroy any remaining, unused paper cards you may have. The AHA will no longer accept them from our TC.




Here is a link to a form that you can hand out to students: eCard Instruction Form

• This will walk them through the process of claiming their eCard.
• This form can also be found under the 'eCard Information' tab.

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding eCards. I will be more than happy to help.




Thank you,


Tyler DeKrey
AHA/NAEMT Coordinator
Sanford Health EMS Education
tyler.dekrey@sanfordhealth.org
701-364-1729