Review of the Governance and Operational Structure of Australian Resuscitation Council Provider Courses and Instructor Training Programs

Background

The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) has provided Advanced Life Support Training (ALS1 and ALS2) and an associated Instructor Provider Program for several years.

These programs are based on the UK Advanced Life Support programs, adapted to Australian Guidelines, and delivered through public and commercial training centres. They have become the benchmark for accredited ALS programs across Australia and are widely sought after.

Despite these successes, the ARC acknowledges the challenges that have been experienced in the delivery of ALS Instructor Provider Courses in recent times. This has been discussed in detail and we have taken the decision to commission a comprehensive independent review of our full suite of ALS Training Programs to ensure their governance and operational structure are contemporary and meet the needs of both the ARC and our stakeholders.

Prof Tony Walker ASM has been engaged by the ARC to lead this review. Prof Walker is the former Chief Executive Officer of Ambulance Victoria and was an ARC member for more than 15 years in his capacity as both Chair of the Victorian Branch and Deputy Convenor of the ALS-Sub Committee. He has an extensive background in governance and holds postgraduate qualifications as an Intensive Care Paramedic and in education design and delivery.

An Expert Advisory Panel comprising the following members also has been established to provide advice and guidance to the review.

• Mr Kevin Nation, Interim CEO Australian Resuscitation Council (Chair)
• Professor Tony Walker ASM, Project Lead,
• Professor Julie Considine AO, College of Emergency Nursing Australia:
• Professor Michael Parr, Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
• Professor Peter Morley AM, Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society
• Assoc Professor Jason Acworth, Advanced Paediatric Life Support, Australia
• Ms Louise Spain, Australian Resuscitation Council Instructor and Chair ACT Branch

Review Process

This review will be conducted in two phases.

Phase one will review the ARC Instructor Provider Course provision and deliver recommendations on any proposed changes to the ARC by 30 March 2024. This will include, but not be limited to:

• the selection process, training package and development of instructors.
• criteria for the development of State instructor training centres; and
• the business model for instructor training including the relationship between the ARC and potential instructor training centres.

Phase two will focus on the broader governance and operational structure of the full suite of ARC ALS programs and associated systems and processes and deliver recommendations on any proposed changes to the ARC by 30 September 2024. This will include, but not be limited to:

• Establishing a process to review provider course content, teaching design and delivery and quality systems.
• Determining a process for review and update course content, including manuals.
• Reviewing and updating ARC ALS course teaching design and delivery, including potential online learning modules.
• Establishing processes and structures to maintain course consistency and quality audit.

We’d welcome your feedback

The review will include consultation with key stakeholders, and we would also welcome confidential written feedback and submissions from those involved in ARC ALS and Instructor Programs, including Instructors, Course providers and Participants. These can be submitted via the form below.

This is an important step in the evolution of our ALS Course offerings, and we look forward to your participation in the review and will keep you updated as the review progresses.