emtpstar

Another reason that ACLS has been simplified, not stupificated is because all the current research and studies clearly show that most, if not all the "advanced" treatments we use in cardiac arrest have shown very little or no improvements in outcomes. The only two things that have shown improvements in survival have been high-quality CPR and rapid defib. The Interntional Committee on Resuscitation Guidelines make the statement in the most recent guidelines changes that the use of an advanced airways in the pre-hospital and hospital setting have shown no improvements in outcomes. Also make the statement that there is no evidence that any medications used in cardiac arrest have improved outcomes. Although there is definitely a time and place for both, the emphasis has switched dramatically to basic life support. I remember when drugs and airways were used before we defibrillated (good ole days). Now that we have supraglottic airways (LMA, King, Combitube) their is not need for intubation in most cases until the patient is stabilized. Giving drugs "down the tube" has also been proven extremely ineffective. I for one am glad it has been simplified.

Oh Yes!!! the good ole days when you were allowed to humiliate and treat people with disdain and disrepect. I have been an ACLS instructor for 17 years and I for one am glad they finally realized that treating people like they were in marine boot camp is outdated and not effective. What good does it do to make the course so intimidating and difficult that the majority of people are too "scared' to take the course. Sure, a select few who felt superior to everyone because they could memorize more information that everyone else could brag about how they survived. If you want to make the course difficult, then develop your own course but the American Heart Association has finally figured out that most adult learners do retain information when all they want to do is "pass" so they can keep their jobs. You want it tougher, great, make it tougher but don't blame the AHA just because they want to make this more accessible for everyone and not just the EMT profession. Not sure why we think it is a badge of honor to treat each other with disrespect and disdain. You want to feel good about survival, join the Marines and be a combat medic.