Principle

Overview 

To foster an environment of safe, quality healthcare; the Faculty of Medicine (FoM) and Newfoundland Labrador Health Services are committed to ensuring Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training is available to Postgraduate Learners. ACLS training is of particular importance to Postgraduate Learners who direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest and other cardiovascular emergencies. ACLS certification is valid for two (2) years.

Purpose

To identify the Postgraduate Learners requiring ACLS training and recertification.

Scope

All Postgraduate Training Programs at Memorial University (Memorial). This policy does not apply to Postgraduate Learners who are Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC) certified.

Definitions

Learner — A trainee registered in a postgraduate training program accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).

Postgraduate Training Program — A period of training in a specific discipline of medicine prescribed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) leading to certification by one of these bodies.

Policy

1.0    Incoming first-year Postgraduate Learners (except Pediatric Postgraduate Learners) are required to be certified in ACLS prior to the commencement of their postgraduate training. 

1.1    Pediatric Postgraduate Learners are required to be certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) for the entirety of their Postgraduate Training Program.

2.0    To be eligible to complete ACLS training, an individual must be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), completed within the past twelve (12) months. 

3.0    Continued certification in ACLS is mandatory for Postgraduate Learners completing training experiences or electives in the following clinical areas:

3.1    Anesthesia;

3.2    Emergency Medicine;

3.3    General Surgery;

3.4    Internal Medicine (including subspecialty General Internal Medicine until the Postgraduate Learner is FRCPC     certified);  and/or

3.5    Critical Care.

4.0    It is the responsibility of the Postgraduate Learner to ensure that they maintain their ACLS certification as required.

5.0    Postgraduate Learners who choose to undertake an off-service call in the clinical areas listed in Section 3.0 must be certified in ACLS. 

6.0    Visiting Postgraduate Learners completing required training experiences or electives in the clinical areas listed in Section 3.0 must be certified in ACLS.

Procedure

A.0   First-Year Postgraduate Learners

A.1.    An ACLS course is available to incoming Postgraduate Learners, each June, on a first-come, first-serve basis (limited number of seats available) prior to the start of their Postgraduate Training.

A.2.    Proof of BLS and/or ACLS certification must be provided to the Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) office by the date indicated on the PGME website.

B.0    ACLS Recertification 

B.1.    For those recertifying within two years, a refresher course is available.

B.2.     Postgraduate Learners are responsible for contacting the NL Health Services ACLS Coordinator to register for ACLS courses. 

C.0    Postgraduate Learners may complete external ACLS courses, subject to the approval of the ACLS Coordinator and/or the Medical Director.

Procedures:

There are no procedures associated with this policy.