Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa

Same destination but a different pathway.

Glucagon is a key treatment for beta blocker toxicity, as it bypasses beta receptors to improve heart function and counteract the effects of beta blockers.

Vascular Access: Clear Hierarchy Established

IV access is RECOMMENDED as the first choice for drug administration in cardiac arrest
IO (intraosseous) access is REASONABLE if initial IV attempts are unsuccessful or not feasible

Why It Matters: A 2025 ILCOR systematic review including three recent large randomized controlled trials found that IO access compared with IV access was associated with lower rates of achieving sustained ROSC. While IO remains a valuable rescue option when IV access cannot be established, the evidence now supports prioritizing IV access when possible.

Clinical Impact: EMS systems and hospital code teams should emphasize IV access skills and consider IO as backup rather than equal first choice.

Caffeine exerts its primary effects by acting as a competitive antagonist at adenosine receptors. Its molecular structure is similar enough to adenosine that it can bind to the same receptor sites. However, unlike adenosine, caffeine does not activate these receptors once bound. Instead, it occupies the receptor, preventing natural adenosine from binding and initiating its inhibitory signalling.

The 6-Link Universal Chain of Survival

Recognition & Activation: Immediate identification of a cardiac arrest and prompt activation of the emergency response system.

Early CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation with an emphasis on high-quality chest compressions and early breathing support (rescue breaths).

Rapid Defibrillation: Prompt use of an AED to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Advanced Resuscitation: Specialized life support interventions provided by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and healthcare professionals.

Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Integrated, specialized medical stabilization to protect brain and heart function.

Recovery & Survivorship: Long-term rehabilitation, observation, and psychological support for both the survivor and their caregivers.

If you spot any of these stroke signs, consider it a red card. Stop everything and call 911. There’s no extra time when it comes to stroke -- every second counts. Recognizing the warning signs and getting help quickly can make all the difference in the world. Know B.E.F.A.S.T.

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) protocols to treat shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT).

It works by stabilizing the heart's electrical rhythm, increasing the likelihood of achieving a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

The South African Medicine Formulary states that Amiodarone can have a half life of up to 107 days.

All our algorithms in one place here: https://resus.co.za/?p=17838

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Youth Day (in South Africa) is an annual public holiday observed on June 16. It commemorates the historic 1976 Soweto Uprising, where thousands of students marched peacefully to protest unequal, Bantu education policies—specifically the mandatory use of Afrikaans. The day honors the youths who bravely confronted the apartheid regime.

COURSE INFORMATION - ADVANCED PAEDIATRIC RESUSCITATION for PROFESSIONALS

A locally produced, RCSA course designed to teach advanced providers the latest evidenced based guidelines and implement a systematic approach for the paediatric patient in cardiac arrest and includes:

� A recap on high-quality Child and Infant Basic Life Support

� Paediatric early warning system (PEWS)

� Systematic approach and algorithms, including anaphylaxis

� Airway management and ventilation use of airway adjuncts (POA and OPA)

� Use of a manual defibrillator

� Identification and management of the reversible causes of cardiac arrest

� Pharmacological interventions during cardiac arrest;

� Management of post cardiac arrest (ROSC)

� Ethics of resuscitation



� This 1-day course is aimed at the local/ South African market and is suitable for anyone who is required to respond to cardiac arrest in an in-hospital or pre-hospital setting using equipment and pharmacology available to professional healthcare providers.

� The course is suited to all levels of registered professional rescuers (doctors, nurses, intermediate life support healthcare professionals or above and medical professionals who cannot implement all the PALS protocols due to their more limited scope of practice.) Also an ideal intermediate step to PALS.

� A Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa endorsed course completion certificate is issued to successful candidates.

� The course does not teach critical care management. (Participants requiring training in these areas are advised to register for an AHA PALS course).

� The course will primarily be taught by the current PALS Instructors and the course material will be loaded onto the advanced USB Flash drive.



A 55-page ADVANCED PAEDIATRIC RESUSCITATION for PROFESSIONALS full colour provider manual, including algorithms, skills tests, drug QR codes etc. is provided to each participant for review before, during and after the course. For successful completion of the course, participants will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in the various skills tests, and obtain a score of at least 84% in the final written evaluation.



Pre entry requirement: Current/ Valid RCSA CPR for Professionals or AHA BLS Provider certificate.