ACLS simulation software

[rxfudd]

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So I came to two realizations today. 1) If there is one thing our specialty should do very well, it is resuscitation, and 2) My competence in resuscitation is woefully inadequate. Since we don't get to do full blown simulators very often at my program, I decided it might be a good idea to look into computer simulation. Maybe some of you have used/purchased something that you can recommend? Here's what I'm looking for:

- Multiple scenarios based on 2005 ACLS protocol
- The ability to intervene with procedures (intubation, needle thoracostomy, defibrillation, etc) and meds
- Real time vitals, monitor, SpO2 that respond to interventions
- Ability to order labs (responsive to interventions)
- Broad spectrum of pathology that can change within a scenario (i.e. vtach going into vfib, shocking someone out of unstable afib into sinus, etc), including electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities
- Feedback and/or scoring that assesses how well you stuck to ACLS protocol
- Probably most importantly, the patients must "respond" how they would in real life

I know it's asking for a lot, but I imagine that this sort of thing exists. I did find one program called "Cardiac Arrest!" by a company called Mad Scientist that seems to incorporate a lot of these, but I can't find a single user review of it (plus, it's $150). According to their website, the software is endorsed by ACEP, but I could not find a single mention of it on the ACEP website.

So do any of you use this sort of thing? Recommendations or suggestions?

 

[dchristismi]

I used HeartCode ACLS Anywhere when I recertified because my school wasn't offering any recerts, and my new hospital's couses were booked up for months. It offers a whole lot of situations - not only the ACLS stuff, from what I understand. That, and you have to tell the computer to do EVERYTHING by yourself... hook the patient up to monitors, check vitals, insert IVs - no nurses to automatically do that stuff. Made me think about it, and gave very precise feedback.

According to the CD case, there are 60 additional "educational lessons," a module on EKG recognition, access to 8 additional continuing education modules and resources.

I was impressed with the ACLS portion - far more than I was with my first ACLS course.

I think I paid $99 for the CD.

 

[kungfufishing]

I liked the heartcode, if you are going to have to take ACLS. The sim mannequin we had for intubation and BVM was pretty ridiculous and almost became a stab wound sim mannequin, however.

 

[leviathan]

I know it's asking for a lot, but I imagine that this sort of thing exists. I did find one program called "Cardiac Arrest!" by a company called Mad Scientist that seems to incorporate a lot of these, but I can't find a single user review of it (plus, it's $150). According to their website, the software is endorsed by ACEP, but I could not find a single mention of it on the ACEP website.

I taught myself ACLS with "Cardiac Arrest!" and found it was a pretty good program. It involves all the factors you were talking about, and managing lots of special cases like hypothermia, cardiac arrest due to electrolyte derangements (eg. renal patients, bone cancer patients), diabetic complications, etc. You have to do everything in it as well (eg. running ABGs, 12 leads, CXRs, IVs, starting CPR, intubating, etc) You will piss off the nurses too if you try to order them to inject 300 g of amiodarone instead of 300 mg, for example. 😉 You can download a demo off their website and try one easy and one difficult patient to see if you like it.

 

[Sheerstress]

I also got comfortable with learning codes via the "Cardiac Arrest" program - it's both informational and funny as well (see what happens when you start cursing people 🙂

Of the other Mad Scientist software, "Trauma One" is pretty good for getting down the ATLS algorithm, and their chest pain program is OK. The blood gas program is a little obsolete.

 

[leviathan]

I also got comfortable with learning codes via the "Cardiac Arrest" program - it's both informational and funny as well (see what happens when you start cursing people 🙂

Of the other Mad Scientist software, "Trauma One" is pretty good for getting down the ATLS algorithm, and their chest pain program is OK. The blood gas program is a little obsolete.

I also liked the Trauma One software, but never got a full copy of it.