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First responders across the country devote themselves to rigorous hands-on training and involved practice in order to master advanced cardiac life support, or ACLS. Once they have completed the training and certification for the first time, they must then recertify on a regular basis to continue to be a valuable asset to their employer and the community.

What exactly is the value of ACLS training?

First responders, and particularly firefighters, often find themselves on the scene of an emergency not only to put out fires but also to administer first aid and provide medical assistance.

“Fire departments are often the first medical responders on the scene of an emergency,” explained Matt Heffernan, firefighter and paramedic at Independence Fire Department in Independence, Mo. “Therefore, it’s vitally important that firefighters are able to recognize and properly treat patients suffering from acute cardiac dysfunctions.”

Heffernan, who recently completed his paramedic certification, is now even more intimately aware of the value that a firefighter with ACLS training can have. Myocardial infarctions, heart attacks or strokes are some of the most common patient complaints firefighters respond to; therefore, prompt recognition and treatment thanks to ACLS training can mean the difference in a patient’s survival, permanent disability or death.

Fire departments don’t have to employ paramedics or firefighters who are also paramedics. However, if they choose to, these individuals must be up-to-date in their ACLS certifications. In turn, by employing paramedics, the fire department is able to provide advanced life support versus only basic life support in emergencies.

“In Kansas and Missouri, ACLS is required in order to achieve and maintain certification as a paramedic,” explains Heffernan. “ACLS isn’t required to be certified as an EMT; therefore, an EMT will usually only seek out an ACLS certification class to improve his or her professional competency or if his or her department requires it.”

How can ACLS training save lives?

Firefighters can also find ACLS training beneficial because it includes the most current protocols for managing a “code blue patient,” or a patient who is pulseless and not breathing. For a paramedic managing a “code patient,” following protocols such as drug dosing and appropriate defibrillation settings, ensures the patient has the best chance for a positive outcome. Individuals who have completed a course in ACLS training, online or in-person, are trained to effectively execute these protocols – which are referred to as the “standard of care” – and promptly administer medical care.

Firefighters usually don’t have the most typical of schedules. Because firefighters often work night and weekend shifts and sleep during the day, finding an ACLS training course that meets their needs can be difficult. This is why so many firefighters find ACLS training online to be the most useful option. Although hands-on portions of the course may need to be completed for initial certification, the majority of the course is taken online and at an individual’s own convenience. No longer do firefighters have to rearrange their work schedules to certify or recertify. ACLS training online meets them where they are, allowing for certification and work to happen simultaneously.

Once an individual has completed the training classes, studying for the certification exam can seem daunting. ACLS certification practice quizzes can be helpful in continually jogging your memory and helping you apply what you’ve learned while you prepare for the exam.

Where can I learn more about ACLS training or an ACLS certification practice quiz?

For first responders with atypical work schedules or other busy medical professionals, Health Ed Solutions, a leading provider of online healthcare certifications, can be a resource. Through flexible courses for firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and other first responders looking to advance in their careers, individuals can complete ACLS training online in their own homes, when it’s convenient for them. In addition, for individuals preparing for a certification exam, Health Ed Solutions offers an ACLS certification free practice quiz.