2011 Education and Training Standards
The closing date for the public consultation project for PHECC’s draft 2011 education and training standards is now closed. PHECC would like to express its gratitude for the many email submissions received during the consultation period. The Medical Advisory Group at their November meeting considered the draft recognised courses and there was consensus that the proposals were comprehensive and meeting service users’ needs.
Of particular note, Cardiac First Response (CFR) responder and practitioner will be replaced with new titles – CFR-community and CFR advanced. CFR-community level is designed for citizens and trained members of volunteer organisations and emergency services such as An Garda Síochána and the Civil Defence who may be dispatched or can respond to someone who has suddenly collapsed. Care management of cardiac arrest, heart attack, choking and stroke will be taught in accordance with PHECC CPGs. The care management will include cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adults, children and infants, AED use (adult & child) and aspirin administration for cardiac chest pain.
In addition to the competencies taught at community level, the advanced level course teaches the use of an oropharyngeal airway, supraglottic airway uncuffed device, bag valve mask (BVM), pulse checks, 2-person CPR, oxygen administration and post resuscitation care. If there is a concern about maintaining competency in all the required CFR-advanced level skills (in particular BVM), Council recommends that individuals consider seriously that CFRcommunity level is more appropriate.
Successful completion of the CFR standard leads to the award of the joint recognised institution and PHECC award. This award ensures that the responder has fulfilled the educational and training requirements as prescribed by PHECC, thereby attaining the knowledge, skills and professionalism in line with the expectations of the public and the profession. It is recommended that the cardiac first responder ensure their ongoing competency by participation in annual refresher training and certification every two years. |