ACLS Refresher

Crisis Resource Management (CRM) Session

You will all have your next CRM session sometime prior to your rotation (you will be notified of this). All sessions are from 7:45-9 am at the 4th floor VA sim lab in the back building. This is mandatory and you will be excused from MR and clinical duties for that period of time. Let your teams/attending/residents know ahead of time. When possible, you should handoff your pager to a team member or attending. If on an outpatient clinic (other than your continuity clinic which you can't miss) you will return after the session. As always, let me know if you foresee any issues making your scheduled session right away. 

As a reminder: CRM (Crisis Resource Management) is a simulation lab session that is thought of as an ACLS refresher but in reality it does so much, much more. It puts you in the drivers seat for more realistic code situations: pushing drugs, running a defibrillator, teamwork, communication skills, CPR and training medical decision making on the fly. Extremely important tools! There's over a dozen cases and counting so you're sure to see new things each time. Want to make a new case of something youve seen? You can! We try to do these sessions for all interns & residents going to MICU/CCU/MICU2/Nights each time. Repetition and practice is key so that by the time your finishing PGY2 year even you are feeling extremely confident in your abilities.

I always think its a good idea to look through your ACLS cards the night before for 10 minutes if you're able to, just to get things moving.

ACLS Lecture - Dr. A

For the second part of your preparation, an ACLS refresher lecture, hosted by Dr. A is required. The lecture time and location is announced prior your rotation. You will receive attendance credit if it conflicts with a scheduled conference. This lecture is mandatory, however if you have a conflict that is excused by the Chief resident, you can view the lecture here.

ACLS Training - 

All interns will be trained at the beginning of intern year. All PGY-2s will be emailed to renew their ACLS training by the end of the year. The VA provides ACLS training for free for all IM housestaff.  Please email Jenika Christmas a copy of your current ACLS card.