In North Queensland, where many GPs work in remote areas, maintaining up-to-date Advanced Life Support skills can be the difference between life and death.
CRANAplus Remote Clinical Educator Leanne Laurie, who facilitates these courses, often hears powerful stories that highlight the life-saving impact of this training.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the training I provide could be the difference in someone’s survival,” Ms Laurie said.
“The health professionals will often share stories of when they have needed their skills.
“To me, teaching Advanced Life Support courses is a privilege.
“It’s my way of contributing to better patient outcomes and stronger healthcare teams, no matter how remote they may be.”
More than 130 GPs and registrars from Mackay, Townsville, and Cairns recently had the opportunity to attend the CRANAplus Advanced Life Support courses, which were funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN).
“Not only did we have a lot of fun and interaction during the course, but it was great to see the participation, discussion, and networking among the GPs,” Ms Laurie said.
“Having NQPHN staff along to support the courses and sit in with the various scenarios and skill stations was also beneficial.
“I was impressed with the discussion and questions around ethics to consider in providing advanced life support, advanced health directives, and ceasing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
“This hands-on learning makes my work meaningful.”
The participants felt the same.
“It was very practical, and the online materials and videos made the retention so much better. Facilitators and course coordinators were all excellent, precise and to the point,” a Cairns participant said.
A Townsville attendee said: “Great event facilitators. Knew their craft and presented in a positive light and inspiring platform.”
While a Mackay participant said it was a “great effort to have the local GPs get together and have a great educational day”.
The Advanced Life Support course focuses on equipping the practitioners with the skills needed to manage cardiac arrest and other emergencies, while understanding the challenges of working in less equipped settings.
“What makes the training so invaluable, particularly for remote healthcare professionals, is the hands-on approach to real-life situations,” Ms Laurie said.
“In these workshops, GPs are taught not just the clinical techniques but also the soft skills to manage high-pressure scenarios.
“The course includes in-depth practice with the Advanced Life Support algorithm, CPR, and drug administration, as well as simulation exercises covering common causes of cardiac arrest.
“Skill stations cover vital techniques such as advanced airway management, IV/IO access, chest needle decompression, and defibrillation.”
Northern Queensland PHN put out an expression of interest for GPs and registrars working in primary care practices to participate in the courses.
GPs training for Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) must have current Advanced Life Support certification completed within the past four years, while specialist GPs must also complete CPR training every three years as part of their professional development.
Advanced Life Support courses that include CPR meet the Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines.
GPs in rural or remote areas, including city-based Fellows who may return to a remote practice, must maintain their Advanced Life Support skills, by completing at least six hours of training every three years to stay accredited.
