ACLS OB
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What do I have to do in order to become an ACLS OB Instructor?
A: You must complete the following:
- Align with your local Training Center
- ACLS OB Provider Course – 2-day class
- AHA Core Instructor Course – online class (takes 4-6 hours)
- ACLS Instructor course
- Teach at least one class under the supervision/guidance of an ACLS Training Center Faculty (TCF) or Regional Faculty (RF)
- Comply with all AHA rules and guidelines
Q: Am I able to take the ACLS OB provider course and immediately take the instructor course? I see in some cases that there is an instructor course scheduled immediately following the 2-day provider course. I would like to minimize travel if at all possible.
A: Yes, you can take them together.
Q: Does the AHA require that you are monitored after certification by someone trained with ACLS OB?
A: AHA does require that your first teaching be monitored/proctored, but not necessarily by an ACLS OB Instructor; any AHA ACLS Training Center Faculty (TCF) can monitor you.
Q: What if we want to bring ACLS OB to our facility?
A: If you are interested in bringing this program to your institution, you would need to make contact with your local Training Center Coordinator (TCC). Some Training Centers (TC) are free-standing in the community and many hospitals/clinics/universities go through them for their AHA TC needs. Some hospitals are their own TC (with extension into the community). We may have a contact list for your area but, if not, we can help you locate your TC.
Q: What materials are contained in your ACLS OB Provider Manual?
A: Each ACLS OB Provider Manual includes:
1. “When Lightning Strikes” presentation
2. Modifications to CPR and airway
3. Presentations on airway adjuncts, obstetrical tachycardia, “slow” heart, acute coronary syndromes, stroke, and VF & Pulseless VT
4. “Talking with Families” presentation - about the unique challenges of working with families in these situations
5. “Obstetric Difference” document - background information about physiology, lab changes, meds, etc.
6. Drug information
7. Smith's Critical Question model - used to teach critical thinking to nurses (works exceptionally well to help OB nurses think about/through this process)
8. FDA Pregnancy Ratings and Lactation
9. References
10. Glossary of abbreviations
Q: What materials are contained in your ACLS OB Instructor Manual?
A: The ACLS OB Instructor Manual includes:
1. The scripted versions of ALL presentations included in the ACLS OB Provider manual
2. Agenda templates (2- and 3-group formats)
3. Scenario overlays for airway, tachycardia (stable & unstable), bradycardia, PEA, asystole, cardiac arrest, Putting It All Together, and megacodes
4. Modifications for pregnancy
5. Smith’s Critical Question model & algorithm
6. The Obstetrical Difference
7. Drug information
8. FDA Pregnancy Ratings and Lactation
9. References
The Instructor Manual comes with a CD ROM, which includes electronic versions of ALL materials used in the OB-specific content, i.e. scripted PowerPoints, partially-modifiable agenda templates, scenario overlays.
The Instructor Manual also comes with a DVD, an educational video created to see a maternal code. We teach the importance of thinking about three teams used to resuscitate a pregnant woman: the OB/Maternal team (who were taking care of her when the event occurred), the Code Team (who responds to cardiopulmonary arrests in the institution), and the Neonatal Team (responsible for the infant following a perimortem delivery, if indicated).
Q: How quickly do the classes fill up? How early do people typically have to register?
A: We usually end up closing registration several weeks before class. The reasons for this include the number of people who register and allowing potential participants adequate time to get their AHA materials (provider course book), to review for the provider course and complete the AHA pre-test, and for participants to obtain their AHA materials (Instructor Manual and Core Instructor Course) with enough time to prepare for the instructor class.
Q: Is there any other information given to new instructors to help them be successful?
A: In addition to the AHA-required topics for the Instructor course, the following information is covered:
- Training Center location and role
- Education Department role
- Regional Faculty identification and role
- AHA guidelines and expectations
- ACLS OB materials and expectations
- Classes
- Scheduling
- Ordering materials
- Marketing/promoting
- Planning success of first class
- Supporting data/organizations
- Contact information for St. Luke’s ACLS OB
Further follow-up is available by email and phone.
