Took my first ACLS class in 1982. Tested by ED physicians that you were going to have to call for orders. If you didn't know the information all the way down to mixing a drug and knowing the concentration, dosage and drip rate, you failed. Forget to check a pulse after defib....you failed. Not know the dosage limits and side effects for calcium...failed. To pass the course then you had to pretty much be able to run a mega-code in your sleep. Now you just show up and learn how to provide positive feedback. I have no problem with making CPR easier to learn (research will probably show that pumping is all you need anyway) because we need as many people as possible initiating it but ACLS should something that an attendee should know completely. Just my two cents.
