The significance of ACLS training cannot be emphasized. The Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training is for healthcare workers who give emergency treatment to victims of sudden cardiac arrest or stopped breathing, as well as other life-threatening circumstances, according to the American Heart Association. It's more crucial than ever to be prepared with lifesaving information and skills in the event that tragedy strikes.
Angie Knannlein-Rahman was a senior in high school when she experienced a life-altering event. During volleyball practice, she and her companion Adrienne were jogging when Adrienne mentioned that she felt a violent head rush and fell to the ground. Angie called for assistance while clutching Adrienne, who was gasping for air.
"I believed her biggest difficulty was hurting her head," Angie explained. "It never occurred to me that her heart had stopped," their coach said. Adrienne died three days after her 16th birthday, despite CPR. "We didn't help Adrienne soon enough, and she suffered a brain injury, which I carry with me," Angie explained. "That day, we lost priceless memories."
Angie told her mother about her feelings of helplessness while holding Adrienne in her arms when she arrived home from school the day after Adrienne's cardiac arrest. "My mother told me that I was supposed to be someone in action, like a nurse," Angie explained.
Angie is now a registered nurse at Mercy Health St. Charles Hospital in Oregon, Ohio, after taking their comments to heart. Angie didn't hesitate to intervene when her life-saving CPR abilities were needed during a recent track and field tournament where she is also a coach.
During the competition, Adam, a 17-year-old athlete, went into cardiac arrest. Angie, a nurse, and a physician assistant began chest compressions while waiting for the automated external defibrillator (AED) to arrive, which took seven to ten minutes because trainers were unsure of its position.
Adam began to regain consciousness after using the AED and totally recovered in the ambulance. Many attendees were shocked to see an AED on hand. Angie stated, "We need to enhance the culture of understanding the critical role that AEDs serve."
In life, learning never stops. We continue to learn at work and in our daily relationships. As a healthcare practitioner, you should always aim to learn something new because it will help you advance in your job.