Resuscitation
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This paper examines the initial actions that should take place following the sudden collapse of a patient in a hospital. The current Basic Life Support guidelines are not designed for this situation, yet are commonly taught to hospital staff. ⋯ Additional factors, such as the recognition of the sick patient and the importance of audit should be included in hospital resuscitation training. A tiered approach to resuscitation training within a hospital should be adopted and national standards developed.
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Between October 1996 and February 1998 we have provided five PLS instructors courses for 127 physicians. The instructor course takes 20-24 h over in 3 days, with 20-36 students per course. Theory classes last 5 h and practical stations between 14 and 18 h. ⋯ At the end of the course the students perform an anonymous written evaluation of the course with scores between 1 (very bad), 2, 3, 4 and 5 (very good). Theoretical aspects practical classes, methodology, and organisation of the PLS instructors courses are considered satisfactory by the students. We conclude that PLS instructors courses are important for assuring the uniformity and quality of paediatric life support courses.