TO REGISTER CALL (949) 351-2878
Courses are now available in Irvine, California off the I-5 Santa Ana Freeway Jeffrey Road exit. We have moved from our previous Tustin location. See detailed driving instructions below. Call (949) 351-2878 for the most current schedule.
Course format
These classes are composed of very small groups from just a few individuals to approximately 12. Unlike a large group that breaks up into smaller groups for different stations in rotation, which logistically consumes time, we remain as one small group for the entire duration. As a result we are very informal, relaxed and are able to use a more personal and innovative approach in accomplishing our life support review. We take breaks when we please, discuss and practice at our own pace, and finish when we have covered what we need to cover.
We will take the time necessary to make you feel confident and comfortable in performing the task at hand. Feel free to bring whatever snacks you wish. We will provide assorted hot and cold beverages, paper or plastic utensils and plates and cups.
ACLS, BLS, PALS, Certification and Recertification Course Description and Objectives
ACLS course, (Advanced Cardiac Life support Course):
Upon completion of this class the participant will be able to know how to manage cardiorespiratory emergencies by using the systematic ACLS guidelines of the American Heart Association, (AHA). You will know how to evaluate and manage a sudden adult respiratory arrest, VF/VT arrest, asystole, pulseless electrical activity, bradycardias, stable and unstable tachycardias, acute coronary syndromes and acute stroke.
BLS, (Basic Life Support, CPR, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Course for Health Care Providers):
Upon completion of this class for the health care provider, the participant will be able to describe the links in the American Heart Association (AHA) Chain of survival. This will include the call to 911, performing 1 and 2 rescuer CPR with rescue breathing using mouth to mouth, face shield, mouth to mask, and bag mask device, and relieving foreign body airway obstruction for the adult, child, or infant victim.
PALS Course (Pediatric Advanced Life Support Course) PALS:
Upon completion of this PALS class the health care provider will be able to understand how to recognize and prevent the common causes of pediatric injuries and emergencies that require resuscitation. You'll understand how to recognize respiratory failure, shock, and cardiac arrest and initiate advanced resuscitation with airway and ventilation control, vascular access, fluid and medication therapy and identify and treat rhythm disturbances.
CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION/ CONTINUING ED CREDIT
Our courses follow the guidelines established by the American Heart Association (AHA). Upon the successful completion of the program you will receive by mail the AHA card from the AHA Training Center. The AHA Training Center will issue your card as quickly as possible and within 30 days of receipt of the paperwork from us of your satisfactory life support completion or renewal. In addition, upon satisfactory completion, you will immediately receive a Certificate of Completion documenting your life support renewal while delivery of your AHA card is in progress. Continuing education credit contact hours are provided for nurses only for either the ACLS or PALS by the Provider, Ramiro Young-Rodriguez , M.D. approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 14178.
Since our group is small and the program design is so personalized, it is difficult to predict how long it will take to cover all the required material. The better prepared you come, obviously, the smoother and faster the meeting will run and any extra time you personally need will be provided. Such are the advantages of small group meetings.
SPECIAL LATE NIGHT CLASSES
If you have insomnia or your biorhythm is such that you sleep in the day and are awake at night then we may be able to schedule a class starting late in the evening and ending when all the material has been covered in the wee hours of the morning. The advantages of this include no major freeway traffic to contend with, it is extremely quiet and there are no other people or staff hanging around when doing this graveyard session. At the present time, this late night class will need a minimum of 5 participants. Inquire about this if interested!
SCHEDULING, FEES, CANCELLATION/POSTPONEMENT, REIMBURSEMENT RENEWALS:
The fee for the ACLS or PALS complete or renewal course is $175 but if you hold a current card that has not yet expired you get a discount for the renewal course and the fee is reduced to $110. BLS is at present $60 but if you hold a current card that has not expired you get a discount and the fee is $40. BLS is also available in an Online computer accessed learning program that involves taking the cognitive portion of the course and written exam at your own pace at home on your computer then simply coming to our training site for the skills testing by an instructor to complete the program. The BLS is also available in the more traditional classroom held course. If interested in BLS please inquire for details on the available options, fees and schedules. ALL FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. CALL (949) 351- 2878 to register or simply use the E-mail link below acls-bls-pals@hotmail.com
To participate in ACLS, PALS or BLS you must call or E-mail us, schedule in advance and pay your fee. Payment is by check or money order only and bad check charges will apply if your check fails to clear at your bank and is returned non payable for any reason. Credit card payment is not available at this time.
You may cancel up to 24 hours in advance of class and get a complete refund except for a cancellation fee $35.00 for ACLS/PALS and $15.00 for BLS. If you wish to postpone and reschedule for a later date you may do so up to three times to apply your payment to that new date. NO REFUNDS WILL BE PERMITTED IF YOU CANCEL WITHIN 24 HOURS OF A MEETING OR IF YOU POSTPONE MORE THAN THREE TIMES OR IF YOU CANCEL AFTER MAKING A POSTPONEMENT.
WE RESERVE THE RIGHT IN THE EVENT OF SOME EMERGENT, UNAVOIDABLE OR OTHER UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCE SUCH AS INSTRUCTOR OR FAMILY ILLNESS, FREEWAY OR AUTOMOBILE MISHAP OR VERY LOW PARTICIPANT CENSUS, TO CANCEL THE MEETING AT ANY TIME. AN ATTEMPT TO CONTACT YOU WILL BE MADE, AND ALL FEES YOU PAID WILL BE REFUNDED IN THEIR ENTIRETY WITHIN 21 DAYS IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE RESCHEDULED FOR A LATER DATE AFTER FAILURE ON OUR PART TO PROVIDE THE CLASS.
WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE
You must have a current ACLS, PALS, or BLS card in order to renew your ACLS, PALS or BLS respectively. If yours has very recently expired, ask to speak to the physician program director who will determine under the AHA guidelines, whether renewal would be possible for you or whether an entire course would be required.
If you are renewing your ACLS, PALS or BLS, you should have a current ACLS, PALS, or BLS Provider Textbook. The AHA states that for their courses, "each student must have the current appropriate AHA course textbook readily available for use before, during, and after the course. Textbooks are designed for individual use and are an integral part of the student's education before, during and after the course. The student may reuse the textbook during renewals until new guidelines are published."
We adhere to this guideline. Ideally it is recommended that you have your own textbook but if you wish, you may borrow one from a friend to study and also bring to our meeting. If you wish to purchase your own copy you may do so directly from one of the AHA partner distributors, Channing L. Bete Co. Inc. 1-800-611-6083 or Laerdal Medical Corp. 1-800-227-1143, or WorldPoint ECC, Inc. 1-888-322-8350.
The AHA also wants you to be aware of their disclaimer, which states: "The American Heart Association strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in BLS, ACLS, and PALS and has developed instructional materials for this purpose. Use of these materials in an educational course does not represent course sponsorship by the American Heart Association, and any fees charged for such a course do not represent income to the association."
A FEW THOUGHTS ABOUT OUR COURSES
The emphasis in our meeting will be in providing a good opportunity to answer your questions, clarify areas you may find troublesome and provide an ample opportunity to practice scenario management. The emphasis is NOT the passing of a written exam. Although the AHA requires the exam, this small group design and focus on your personal needs will virtually assure that with reasonable effort on your part you will do well.
If some issues are not resolved and you're not performing satisfactorily then those issues will be identified, reviewed and remediated according to your needs. Most of us learn a little better when we perform in error, identify the error then modify our actions so that we perform correctly. A wrong answer provides a learning experience that is to your benefit. In our meeting, wrong answers are not something to be embarrassed about. Wrong answers are very welcome here! Please bring all your incorrect and misunderstood concepts and perceptions for us to analyze and try to rectify so that you will be correct when you leave.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
The Cities of Tustin and Irvine are located in the lower part of North Orange County, CA. They are near and/or border Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Anaheim, and Costa Mesa.
Our address effective January 1, 2010 in Irvine is:
38 Columbus, IRVINE, CA 92620
Phone: (949) 351-2878
TO IRVINE
FROM:
LOS ANGELES (CENTRAL):
Take I-5 Santa Ana Fwy south to Orange county. Continue just past the Newport-55 Fwy about another 4-5 exits. Exit at "Jeffrey Road." The exit ramp will make a Right 180-degree hairpin turn ending at Jeffrey Road. Follow the "JEFFREY ROAD EXIT DIRECTIONS" below.
JEFFREY ROAD EXIT DIRECTIONS:
After exiting the freeway turn right onto Jeffrey Rd and continue north (towards the mountains) about 4-5 traffic lights until you reach "Bryan/Long Meadow." ( To the left the street is called Bryan but to the right the street is called Long Meadow). Turn Left onto Bryan and go about 3 blocks to "Eastwood." Turn Left onto Eastwood and drive one block to "Columbus." Turn Left at Columbus and the corner two story house on your left is 38 Columbus where the class will be held.
There will usually be a string of Christmas lights hanging from the balcony railing on the second floor. If there is space park in front of 38 Columbus and on the driveway to the garage of the house. Do not park blocking the driveway of neighboring houses. It might be necessary to park several doors away from 38 Columbus then walk to the house.
FROM:
LONG BEACH, WESTMINSTER, COSTA MESA:
Take the I-405 San Diego Fwy south and connect to the Newport-55 Fwy and go North. Connect to the Southbound I-5 Santa Ana Fwy about another 4-5 exits. Exit at "Jeffrey Road." Follow the "JEFFREY ROAD EXIT DIRECTIONS" above.
FROM:
SAN BERNARDINO, LOMA LINDA, RIVERSIDE, CORONA:
Take the Riverside-91 Fwy going West towards LA and the Beach Cities. Connect to the Newport-55 Fwy going South towards Newport Beach. Connect to the I-5 Santa Ana Fwy going South towards San Diego and continue about another 4-5 exits. Exit at "Jeffrey Road." Follow the "JEFFREY ROAD EXIT DIRECTIONS" above.
FROM:
SAN DIEGO, OCEANSIDE, SAN CLEMENTE, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, MISSION VIEJO, EL TORO:
Take the I-5 Santa Ana Fwy North to Irvine and Exit at Jeffrey Road. Follow the "JEFFREY ROAD EXIT DIRECTIONS" above.
FROM:
CLAREMONT, SAN DIMAS, COVINA, POMONA, DIAMOND BAR, FULLERTON:
Take the 57 Fwy South, connect to the Southbound I-5 Fwy towards San Diego. Continue about another 4-5 exits then Exit at "Jeffrey Road." Follow the "JEFFREY ROAD EXIT DIRECTIONS" above.
LIFE SUPPORT RENEWAL REGISTRATION:
Call 949-351-2878 or send us an E-mail to obtain the most up to date schedule of classes and to ask any questions. New meeting and class dates are added as each becomes filled.