Advanced Life Support Care Research Articles

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of ALS/ BLS Care in Low Acuity 9-1-1 Response by Geography and Insurance Status Utilizing the 2019 NEMSIS Dataset

Purpose. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between patient acuity and level of EMS care adjusting for rurality and insurance. Methods. Data were obtained from the National Emergency Services Information System (NEMSIS) database for 2019. EMS responses (n = 4,375,568) were analyzed comparing patient acuity and CMS Service level, Advanced Life Support (ALS) vs Basic Life Support (BLS), to assess for associations in acuity and CMS Service level using logistic regression. Results. Overall, there was a decreased odds of advanced life service use at low acuity EMS responses (OR=0.443, 95% CI=0.440-0.445). Sub analysis exploring the interaction between CMS Service Level, Rurality demonstrates an overall trend of decreasing odds of low acuity EMS responses among rural areas and BLS care (OR=0.492, 95% CI=0.486,0.498) and ALS care (OR=0.198, 95% CI=0.197,0.200). When analyzing trends among public vs all other insurance and rural vs urban settings, there were decreases in low acuity ALS care in the rural setting; ALS and Pub Insurance (OR 0.447, 0.444-0.450, p<0.001), ALS and Rural (OR 0.198, CI 0.197-0.914, p<0.001) among low acuity responses. The results indicate that acuity and service level vary according to insurance and rurality. In the low acuity call type, we see decreased odds of ALS use compared BLS use in those with public insurances compared to other insurance. There is also a geographic component to these results where the use of Advance Life Support services declined with decreases in urbanicity. Discussion. These results potentially highlight that rural areas utilize less emergency medical response resources in low acuity responses. As such, EMS programs like community paramedicine, could be potentially effective interventions to close gaps in access to care for rural residents.

ChatGPT Interactive Medical Simulations for Early Clinical Education: Case Study.

The transition to clinical clerkships can be difficult for medical students, as it requires the synthesis and application of preclinical information into diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. ChatGPT-a generative language model with many medical applications due to its creativity, memory, and accuracy-can help students in this transition. This paper models ChatGPT 3.5's ability to perform interactive clinical simulations and shows this tool's benefit to medical education. Simulation starting prompts were refined using ChatGPT 3.5 in Google Chrome. Starting prompts were selected based on assessment format, stepwise progression of simulation events and questions, free-response question type, responsiveness to user inputs, postscenario feedback, and medical accuracy of the feedback. The chosen scenarios were advanced cardiac life support and medical intensive care (for sepsis and pneumonia). Two starting prompts were chosen. Prompt 1 was developed through 3 test simulations and used successfully in 2 simulations. Prompt 2 was developed through 10 additional test simulations and used successfully in 1 simulation. ChatGPT is capable of creating simulations for early clinical education. These simulations let students practice novel parts of the clinical curriculum, such as forming independent diagnostic and therapeutic impressions over an entire patient encounter. Furthermore, the simulations can adapt to user inputs in a way that replicates real life more accurately than premade question bank clinical vignettes. Finally, ChatGPT can create potentially unlimited free simulations with specific feedback, which increases access for medical students with lower socioeconomic status and underresourced medical schools. However, no tool is perfect, and ChatGPT is no exception; there are concerns about simulation accuracy and replicability that need to be addressed to further optimize ChatGPT's performance as an educational resource.

Abstract 417: Advanced vs. Basic Life Support Outcome Variation in the Treatment of Out-of-Hospital-Cardiac-Arrest in Detroit

Background: Out-of-Hospital-Cardiac-Arrest (OHCA) may be treated with Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS). Previous literature has indicated that ALS provides no additional benefit to OHCA patients. This study compared OHCA outcomes between prehospital ALS or BLS care in a city with a preponderance of BLS only care. Study Objectives: To test for associations between prehospital ALS or BLS care stratified by initial cardiac rhythm on ROSC, discharged alive from the hospital, and on favorable neurological outcome at hospital discharge in OHCA of a presumed cardiac origin. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 6746 patients with non-traumatic OHCA who received CPR from a transporting EMS agency was collected using the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) database. Patients were sorted into 4 cohorts based on ALS vs BLS care and initial shockable vs non-shockable cardiac rhythms. Cohorts were compared utilizing chi-squared and multivariable logistic regression analysis against the outcome variables of sustained ROSC, discharged alive from the hospital, and a favorable neurological outcome at hospital discharge. Results: After controlling for covariates, the odds of sustained ROSC were statistically significantly higher for S-ALS vs. NS-BLS (OR=4.4, p.001), S-BLS vs. NS-BLS (OR=1.8, p.001), and NS-ALS vs. NS-BLS (OR=2.2, p.001). The association between cohort and discharged alive from the hospital was also statistically significant (p.001), and discharged alive rates were S-ALS (17.9%); S-BLS (11.8%); NS-ALS (3.7%); NS-BLS (4.0%). The association between cohort and favorable neurological outcome was also statistically significant (p.001), and outcome rates were S-ALS (74.6%); S-BLS (58.2%); NS-ALS (36.5%); NS-BLS (41.6%). The odds of favorable neurological outcome were higher for S-ALS vs. NS-BLS (OR=2.6, p.001). Conclusion: In contrast to previous literature, ALS care in the study was superior to BLS care. ALS care was associated with higher rates of ROSC in OHCA patients regardless of rhythm. Further, ALS care was associated with higher rates of being discharged alive from the hospital and favorable neurological outcomes among patients with a shockable rhythm.

Effect of crew ratio of advanced life support-trained personnel on patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This review aimed to investigate the effect of crew ratios of on-scene advanced life support (ALS)-trained personnel on patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from the inception date until September 30, 2022, for eligible studies. Two reviewers independently screened the studies for relevance, extracted data, and quality. We compared the effect of the ratio of on-scene ALS-trained personnel >50% to those with a ratio ≤50% among prehospital personnel on the clinical outcomes of OHCA patients. The primary outcome was survival-to-discharge and secondary outcomes were any return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), sustained ROSC (≥2h), and favourable neurological outcome at discharge (cerebral performance category scores: 1 or 2). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated, and the certainty of evidence was assessed. From 10,864 references, we identified four non-randomised studies, including 16,475 patients. Two studies were performed in Japan and two in Taiwan. There were significant differences in survival-to-discharge (OR: 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.44, I2: 7%), any ROSC (OR:1.22, 95% CI: 1.04-1.43, I2: 74%) and sustained ROSC (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.16-1.65, I2: 40%), but insignificant differences in favourable neurological outcome at discharge. The overall certainty of evidence was rated as very low for all outcomes. Prehospital ALS care with a ratio of on-scene ALS-trained personnel >50% could improve OHCA patient outcomes than crew ratios ≤50%. Further studies are required to reach a robust conclusion.

Usability of EtCO2 values in the decision to terminate resuscitation by integrating them into the TOR rule (an extended TOR rule): A preliminary analysis

ObjectiveEnd tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) is measured to confirm the placement of an endotracheal tube and evaluate the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and as an assistive tool for terminating CPR. However, there are no highly accurate or definitive recommendations for its use when deciding on the termination of CPR. We aimed to merge EtCO2 values with existing termination of resuscitation (TOR) rules to obtain a more accurate combination for terminating resuscitation. MethodsThis observational, prospective study included non-traumatic adult patients who were admitted to a tertiary university hospital Emergency Medicine Department due to cardiac arrest. EtCO2 cutoff values (at 5, 10, and 20 min) were integrated into currently used TOR parameters (arrest was not witnessed, no bystander CPR was provided, no return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after full advanced life support care in the field, and no shock was delivered) and the extended TOR rule was created. These extended TOR rules were compared at three different times (5, 10, and 20 min) for specificity and positive predictive value for ROSC. ResultsWe included a total of 86 cases. The cutoff value of EtCO2 from ROC analysis was 19.5, 23.5, and 20.5 mmHg at 5, 10, and 20 min, respectively. “The extended TOR rule created with the 20-min EtCO2 cutoff (20.5 mmHg) was the most accurate in detecting ROSC (−) patients. The specificity was 100% (95% CI 63.1–100.0) sensitivity was 20.0% (95% CI 9.1–35.7), positive predictive value was 100% and negative predictive value was 20.0% (95% CI 17.6–22.6) for ROSC (−) patients. The parameters of this rule were as follows: arrest was not witnessed, no bystander CPR was provided, no ROSC after full advanced life support care in the field, no shock was delivered, and EtCO2 value at 20 min of resuscitation <20.5 mmHg. ConclusionsIntegration of EtCO2 values into the classically used TOR criteria increases the specificity to 100% without a significant decrease in sensitivity. These results need to be validated in larger groups before this rule is used clinically. EtCO2 seems to be a beneficial tool in establishing new TOR rules.

Association between prehospital advanced life support by emergency medical services personnel and neurological outcomes among adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A secondary analysis of the SAVE-J II study.

Early deployment of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is critical in treating refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients who are potential candidates for ECPR. The effect of prehospital advanced life support (ALS), including epinephrine administration or advanced airway, compared with no ALS in this setting remains unclear. This study's objective was to determine the association between any prehospital ALS care and outcomes of patients who received ECPR with emergency medical services-treated OHCA. This was a secondary analysis of data from the Study of Advanced Cardiac Life Support for Ventricular Fibrillation with Extracorporeal Circulation in Japan (SAVE-J) II study. Patients were separated into 2 groups-those who received prehospital ALS (ALS group) and those did not receive prehospital ALS (no ALS group). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between prehospital ALS and favorable neurological outcomes (defined as Cerebral Performance Category scores 1-2) at hospital discharge. A total of 1289 patients were included, with 644 patients in the ALS group and 645 patients in the no ALS group. There were fewer favorable neurological outcomes at hospital discharge in the ALS group compared with the no ALS group (10.4vs 19.8%, p<0.001). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that any prehospital ALS care (adjusted odds ratios 0.47; 95% confidence interval 0.34-0.66; p<0.001) was associated with unfavorable neurological outcomes at hospital discharge. Prehospital ALS was associated with worse neurological outcomes at hospital discharge in patients treated with ECPR for OHCA. Further prospective studies are required to determine the clinical implications of these findings.

One-Year Review in Cardiac Arrest: The 2022 Randomized Controlled Trials.

Cardiac arrest, one of the leading causes of death, accounts for numerous clinical studies published each year. This review summarizes the findings of all the randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) on cardiac arrest published in the year 2022. The RCTs are presented according to the following categories: out-of- and in-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA, IHCA) and post-cardiac arrest care. Interestingly, more than 80% of the RCTs encompassed advanced life support and post-cardiac arrest care, while no studies focused on the treatment of IHCA, except for one that, however, explored the temperature control after resuscitation in this population. Surprisingly, 9 out of 11 RCTs led to neutral results demonstrating equivalency between the newly tested interventions compared to current practice. One trial was negative, showing that oxygen titration in the immediate pre-hospital post-resuscitation period decreased survival compared to a more liberal approach. One RCT was positive and introduced new defibrillation strategies for refractory cardiac arrest. Overall, data from the 2022 RCTs discussed here provide a solid basis to generate new hypotheses to be tested in future clinical studies.

Transitioning from Direct to Video Laryngoscopy during the COVID-19 Pandemic Was Associated with a Higher Endotracheal Intubation Success Rate

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the effect of transitioning from direct laryngoscopy (DL) to video laryngoscopy (VL) on endotracheal intubation success overall and with enhanced precautions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We examined electronic transport records from Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service, a large advanced life support (ALS) provider serving rural, suburban, and urban areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin, USA. We determined the success of intubation attempts when using DL (March 10, 2018 to December 19, 2019), VL (December 20, 2019 to September 29, 2021), and VL with an enhanced COVID-19 guideline that restricted intubation to one attempt, performed by the most experienced clinician, who wore enhanced personal protective equipment (April 1 to December 18, 2020). Success rates at first attempt and after any attempt were assessed for association with type of laryngoscopy (VL vs DL) after adjusting for patient age group, patient weight, use of enhanced COVID-19 guideline, medical vs trauma patient, and ALS vs critical care clinician. A secondary analysis further adjusted for degree of glottic visualization. Results We identified 895 intubation attempts using DL and 893 intubation attempts using VL, which included 382 VL intubation attempts using the enhanced COVID-19 guideline. Success on first intubation attempt was 69.2% for encounters with DL, 82.9% overall with VL, and 83.2% with VL and enhanced COVID-19 protocols (DL vs overall VL: p < 0.001; COVID-19 vs non-COVID VL: p = 0.86). In multivariable analysis, use of VL was associate with higher odds of successful intubation on first attempt (odds ratio, 2.28; 95%CI, 1.73–3.01; p < 0.001) and on any attempt (odds ratio, 2.16; 95%CI, 1.58–2.96; p < 0.001) compared with DL. Inclusion of glottic visualization in the model resulted in a nonsignificant association between laryngoscopy type and successful first intubation (p = 0.41) and a significant association with the degree of glottic visualization (p < 0.001). Conclusions VL is designed to improve glottic visualization. The use of VL by a large, U.S. multistate ALS ambulance service was associated with increased odds of successful first-pass and overall attempted intubation, which was mediated by better visualization of the glottis. COVID-19 protocols were not associated with success rates.

Outcomes of basic versus advanced prehospital life support in severe pediatric trauma

ObjectiveThe role of basic life support (BLS) vs. advanced life support (ALS) in pediatric trauma is controversial. Although ALS is widely accepted as the gold standard, previous studies have found no advantage of ALS over BLS care in adult trauma. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether ALS transport confers a survival advantage over BLS among severely injured children. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of data included in the Israeli National Trauma Registry from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2020 was conducted. All the severely injured children (age < 18 years and injury severity score [ISS] ≥16) were included. Patient survival by mode of transport was analyzed using logistic regression. ResultsOf 3167 patients included in the study, 65.1% were transported by ALS and 34.9% by BLS. Significantly more patients transported by ALS had ISS ≥25 as well as abnormal vital signs at admission. The ALS and BLS cohorts were comparable in age, gender, mechanism of injury, and prehospital time. Children transported by ALS had higher in-hospital mortality (9.2% vs. 0.9%, p < 0.001). Following risk adjustment, patients transported by ALS teams were significantly more likely to die than patients transported by BLS (adjusted OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.05–5.41, p = 0.04). Patients with ISS ≥50 had comparable mortality rates in both groups (45.9% vs. 55.6%, p = 0.837) while patients with GCS <9 transported by ALS had higher mortality (25.9% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.019). Admission to a level II trauma center vs. a level I hospital was also associated with increased mortality (adjusted OR 2.78 (95% CI 1.75–4.55, p < 0.001). ConclusionsAmong severely injured children, prehospital ALS care was not associated with lower mortality rates relative to BLS care. Because of potential confounding by severity in this retrospective analysis, further studies are warranted to validate these results.

Os fins do cuidado: processos de tomada de decisão, suportes avançados de vida e cuidados paliativos

Neste artigo reflito sobre a produção do cuidado na prática clínica em cuidados paliativos. Com base em pesquisa etnográfica, resultante da observação dos atendimentos realizados pelo Serviço de Cuidados Paliativos de um hospital-escola do estado de São Paulo a pessoas com doenças que ameaçam a continuidade da vida, discuto como os processos de tomada de decisão em torno do uso de suportes avançados de vida explicitam as contradições, os ajustes e a situacionalidade do fazer cuidado nesse contexto. Assim, a partir da descrição extensa das práticas e rotinas assistenciais desenvolvidas pela equipe de saúde, argumento que o cuidar e o que se maneja como “bom cuidado” (Mol, 2008) se produz na provisoriedade das interações que se estabelecem entre vários atores – equipe de cuidados paliativos, especialidades, familiares – e nos deslizamentos das dinâmicas intrincadas que atravessam diagnósticos particulares, maus prognósticos, respostas fisiológicas, modalidades de intervenção, decisões sobre condutas terapêuticas e subjetividades.

Impact of collaboration between Basic Life Support-trained first responders and on-site Advanced Life Support service in improving the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcome: A case study from the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2019

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in long-distance running races has an incidence rate of 2.18 per 100,000 participants and a high mortality rate. Strategic planning for the medical response in a marathon event is therefore an uphill task for the organizer. Our medical operational model for the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) has not just improved the survival for marathon-related SCA, but also has been cost-effective for a middle-income country. Two runners from PBIM in 2019 had episodes of cardiac arrest at almost the same time at different locations towards the end of the run route, which were both responded by different teams of Basic Life Support trained volunteers, and then were sent to the Main Medical Base for further Advanced Life Support care before receiving ICU care in the tertiary hospital. Both patients achieved good neurological outcomes and survived hospital discharge.

Adequacy of care during interfacility transfer in Taiwan: A pilot study

Interfacility transfer (IFT) in Asian communities is seldom discussed. We aimed to describe the characteristics of IFT in Taiwan and to explore the adequacy of care during transfer. A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using standardized, paper-based interfacility ambulance transfer records between 1 January 2018 and 31 January 2018 from Tainan City, Taiwan. The mode of patient care needed was classified as advanced life support (ALS) or basic life support (BLS) cares based on clinical conditions. ALS providers were defined as physicians and EMT-Paramedics, while BLS providers were defined as nurse practitioners, nurses, EMT-1s and EMT-2s. Of the 377 (227 [60.2%] were >65 years old; 219 [58.1%] were male) IFTs enrolled in the final analysis, 210 (55.7%) patients met the ALS transfer criteria, with poor consciousness (n=158), tachypnea (n=17), tachycardia (n=5), bradycardia (n=7), hypertension (n=12), hypotension (n=13), hypoxia (n=4), endotracheal intubation (n=18), a tracheostomy (n=25), a precipitous labor (n=1), and after resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (n=10) or in-hospital cardiac arrest (n=3). None of the patients who required ALS care had adequate ambulance staffing. Of the 167 BLS IFTs, 9 (5.4%) patients deteriorated and required ALS care during transportation, which included worsened consciousness (n=2), tachycardia (n=1), hypertension (n=2), hypotension (n=1), and hypoxia (n=3). The rates of deterioration during BLS-transferals from the emergency departments, general wards, nursing facilities, and unknown areas were 4.8%, 4.7%, 7.7%, and 7.1%, respectively (p=0.93). The patient care during IFT in Taiwan is inadequate currently and should warrant attention.

A pilot multicentre cluster randomised trial to compare the effect of trauma life support training programmes on patient and provider outcomes

IntroductionTrauma accounts for nearly 10% of the global burden of disease. Several trauma life support programmes aim to improve trauma outcomes. There is no evidence from controlled trials to show...

Racial disparities in emergency care for seizures in the United States

Background Racial disparities exist regarding emergency medical services, and advanced life support (ALS) is superior to basic life support (BLS) for patients experiencing a seizure. Aims This study aims to identify if there are racial disparities regarding access to ALS care for patients having a seizure. Methods This study analysed 624 011 seizure cases regarding the provision of BLS rather than ALS care per racial group. Chi-square testing was used to check statistical significance and effect size was measured using relative risk. Findings On average, non-white patients experiencing a seizure had a 21% higher relative risk of receiving BLS care than white patients. The highest disparity concerned American Indian patients, who had a 66% higher relative risk of receiving BLS care than white patients. Conclusions Overall, non-white patients are less likely to receive ALS when experiencing a seizure than white patients, potentially leading to worse prehospital outcomes from less access to time-critical medications.

Racial disparities in emergency care for seizures in the United States

Background: Racial disparities exist regarding emergency medical services, and advanced life support (ALS) is superior to basic life support (BLS) for patients experiencing a seizure. Aims: This study aims to identify if there are racial disparities regarding access to ALS care for patients having a seizure. Methods: This study analysed 624 011 seizure cases regarding the provision of BLS rather than ALS care per racial group. Chi-square testing was used to check statistical significance and effect size was measured using relative risk. Findings: On average, non-white patients experiencing a seizure had a 21% higher relative risk of receiving BLS care than white patients. The highest disparity concerned American Indian patients, who had a 66% higher relative risk of receiving BLS care than white patients. Conclusions: Overall, non-white patients are less likely to receive ALS when experiencing a seizure than white patients, potentially leading to worse prehospital outcomes from less access to time-critical medications.

Nieuwe richtlijnen 2021 voor cardiopulmonale reanimatie bij volwassenen

New guidelines 2021 for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults. In March 2021, the new European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were presented in Antwerp (Belgium). Every 5 years, these guidelines are renewed. They are based on the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) 2020 Consensus on Science and Treatment Recommendations (CoSTR). In this manuscript, the most important aspects of these guidelines are summarized. Furthermore, the changes with regard to the guidelines of 2015 are emphasized. Basic life support (BLS), advanced life support (ALS) and post-resuscitation care are discussed. The 2021 guidelines can be downloaded from the internet (http://www.erc.edu).

Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services Management of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services Management of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABCDE cognitive aid tool in patient assessment \u2013 development and validation in a multicenter pilot simulation study

BackgroundThe so called ABCDE approach (Airway-Breathing-Circulation-Disability-Exposure) is a golden standard of patient assessment. The efficacy of using cognitive aids (CA) in resuscitation and peri-arrest situations remains an important knowledge gap. This work aims to develop an ABCDE CA tool (CAT) and study its potential benefits in patient condition assessment.MethodsThe development of the ABCDE CAT was done by 3 rounds of modified Delphi method performed by the members of the Advanced Life Support Science and Education Committee of the European Resuscitation Council.A pilot multicentre study on 48 paramedic students performing patient assessment in pre-post cohorts (without and with the ABCDA CAT) was made in order to validate and evaluate the impact of the tool in simulated clinical scenarios.The cumulative number and proper order of steps in clinical assessment in simulated scenarios were recorded and the time of the assessment was measured.ResultsThe Delphi method resulted in the ABCDE CAT. The use of ABCDE CAT was associated with more performed assessment steps (804: 868; OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.35, p = 0.023) which were significantly more frequently performed in proper order (220: 338; OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.40 to 2.02, p < 0.0001). The use of ABCDE CAT did not prolong the time of patient assessment.ConclusionThe cognitive aid for ABCDE assessment was developed. The use of this cognitive aid for ABCDE helps paramedics to perform more procedures, more frequently in the right order and did not prolong the patient assessment in advanced life support and peri-arrest care.

Successful Resuscitation from Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation by BLS Providers Employing Double Sequential External Defibrillation: A Case Report

Double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) is a novel treatment option for cardiac arrest patients in refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF). There is limited research, however, examining the efficacy of this treatment in clinical practice. Previous research is further confounded by the use of other treatments such as advanced cardiac life support medications. We present the case of the successful use of DSED for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest without the use of advanced life support care.

Educational intervention concerning urgency and emergency in Primary Health Care

Primary health care is considered a component of the fixed prehospital emergency care network and the preferred gateway for first contact with the user. Therefore, the teams of the basic health units need to be able to offer quality care to the patient, facing acute and unforeseen conditions, focusing on reducing morbidity, mortality and sequelae. This study aimed to describe an educational intervention process for basic and advanced life support care for health professionals in the primary care network. This was a descriptive study on an educational intervention process conducted with the multiprofessional team of five basic health units in the city of Maringa, Parana. Initially, a situational diagnosis was made through a questionnaire applied to 57 primary care professionals. From this, the educational intervention was built, which was performed by a training given to 65 professionals from the pre-established units. Regarding the difficulties encountered in urgent/emergency care, the professionals cited the team’s lack of preparation, associated with a lack of training, as the major obstacle. Regarding the topics to be addressed in the training, the participants opted for Cardiac arrest; Foreign Body Airway Obstruction and Convulsive Crisis. The study identified the main difficulties faced by the professionals of the BHU when dealing with health conditions, as well as the issues that they considered deficient in their work practice. This highlights relevancy to perform an educational intervention using a strategy mediated by training.