Advanced Life Support (ALS) is a set of procedures and techniques used to manage various life-threatening emergencies. It's designed for healthcare professionals who are trained to respond to these critical situations. Building upon the concepts of Basic Life Support (BLS), ALS Level 2, also referred to as Intermediate Life Support, is a crucial bridge between BLS and advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS). Here, we delve into the details of ALS Level 2, its significance, and the skills it encompasses.
ALS Level 2 courses are designed to provide a higher level of training than BLS but not as comprehensive as ACLS. They are typically taught to EMTs, paramedics, and nurses to bridge the gap between BLS and ACLS. The course equips learners with the skills to assess, manage, and treat a broader range of medical emergencies.
Core Skills Taught in ALS Level 2
ALS Level 2 course offerings may vary, but they generally cover additional assessment and management skills beyond BLS. These include advanced airway management, internal basic life support, use of adrenaline (epinephrine), and other decision-making skills required in a wide range of medical emergencies.
Upon completion of an ALS Level 2 course, providers can be recognized for their advanced skills and willingness to take on more responsibility in a healthcare team.
Advanced Airway Management
While BLS focuses on basic airway management, ALS Level 2 delves deeper into advanced airway management techniques. This includes learning to use a bag-valve-mask device, oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways, and even endothelial tubes, depending on the local curriculum.
Additionally, learners are often taught how to use supraglottic airway devices, such as King laryngeal tubes or i-gels, to secure and protect a patient's airway during critical situations. Hands-on practice is integral to this part of the curriculum.
Internal Basic Life Support
ALS Level 2 courses build on the BLS skills of external chest compressions by introducing internal chest compression techniques. This skill enables healthcare providers to perform closed chest compressions on a patient during an emergency, aiding in circulation restoration.
Learners also study the physics behind effective chest compressions, including hand position, compression-to-ventilation ratio, and decompression or release phase. Practical exercises are crucial to mastering these techniques.
Advanced Medications and Techniques
ALS Level 2 courses introduce healthcare providers to certain medications and their uses in emergency situations. This is an extension of the basics taught in BLS, such as the use of adrenaline in cardiac arrest.
Other medications, like amiodarone for certain arrhythmias, and the use of defibrillators are included. While not all ALS Level 2 courses may cover these, they form a crucial part of many curricula due to their role in advanced cardiac life support.
Use of Epinephrine
ALS Level 2 builds upon BLS' use of adrenaline in cardiac arrest. It delves deeper into the rationale behind its use, itsAdult dose, and proper administration techniques. Learners are taught when to use or not use it, reflecting the decision-making aspects of ALS Level 2.
Additionally, learners practice drawing up and administering drugs, honing their skills and familiarity with medication handling in emergencies.
Defibrillator Use
While BLS briefly touches on defibrillator use, ALS Level 2 delves deeper into the varying types of defibrillators and their specific functions. It focuses on the Safe use of defibrillators by teaching learners how to interpret coding EKG rhythms and respond correctly with appropriate interventions.
The course also includes hands-on experience with defibrillators, providing a valuable opportunity for learners to become thoroughly familiar with their operation and relevance in critical situations.
Upon completion of an ALS Level 2 course, healthcare providers gain advanced skills and knowledge essential for managing medical emergencies. It's a significant step forward from BLS, making them better equipped to save lives in critical situations. Regular ALS Level 2 recertification and continued education are recommended to ensure these skills remain sharp and effective.