Basic Life support
Inspiring others to live inspired lives.
Online BLS Course
Class location: Online
Class meeting times: Virtual, on-demand
Instructor: Dr. Karl F. Disque urgent@nhcps.com
Office Hours: By appointment
Grading: Pass/Fail
I. Rationale:
Basic Life Support (BLS) is the foundation of the systems of care designed by the American Heart Association forming a chain of survival that stretches from symptom recognition to recovery. This course is offered online to help healthcare professionals improve their knowledge and confidence necessary to save a life.
II. Course Aims and Outcomes:
Aims
The aim of this course is to improve the knowledge and confidence of healthcare professionals to act in crises and improve outcomes for pediatric patients.
Specific Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will:
· Understand the general concepts of Basic Life Support for children and adults
· Have working knowledge of the principles of 1 and 2 rescuer CPR
· Understand how to perform CPR for adults, children, and infants
· Be familiar with basic operation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
· Be familiar with the algorithms for specific BLS cases
· Understand basic airway management
· Understand how to act to relieve choking
III. Format and Procedures:
The course consists of a series of modules which the learner will navigate at their own pace. The presentation videos are meant to supplement the learner’s independent study of the BLS manual, available for download from the course. Self-assessment quizzes throughout the course will provide the learner the opportunity to gauge their progress. Students are encouraged to adapt the course to meet their own needs and apply special focus to areas in which they may be weak.
IV. Course Assumptions
While a healthcare background is not necessary for this course, it is strongly recommended. Course terminology, as well as concepts of anatomy and physiology are assumed to be understood by the level of professional taking basic life support. In addition, laws and protocols govern the use of the medical devices discussed here. Students are reminded to practice within the regulations governing their profession and their specific location.
V. Course Requirements: Independent study of materials presented here, as well as supplemental materials as your individual situation may require.
1. Class attendance and participation policy: This course is presented in open format. While a suggested order is supplied, students are encouraged to study modules in the scheme that best suits their learning needs.
2. Course readings:
(a) Required text: BLS Provider Handbook, National Health Care Provider Solutions. Available as a download with this course. See the course for download link.
(b) Background readings: AHA 2010 guidelines available for free at http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/122/18_suppl_3.toc
VI. Academic Integrity
This course is a self-paced open learning course. In this open environment, students are expected to pursue self-directed learning with civility, integrity, and respect for the dignity and rights of students, faculty and staff.
The material presented here is based on the most recent published guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA), which students, faculty and staff can access for free via this link. The presentations, manuals, test questions, and all other content not published by the AHA are the property of National Health Care Provider Solutions (NHCPS) and are subject to copyright protection.
VII. Accommodations for students with disabilities
Should any student require accommodation for disability, please contact the instructor.