Advanced Life Support (ALS) Courses

Advanced Life Support (ALS) courses provide high-level training in the management of critically ill patients and those in cardiac or respiratory arrest. They build on basic and intermediate life support skills and focus on advanced airway management, rhythm recognition, defibrillation, drug therapy and leadership in resuscitation teams, in line with Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) guidelines.

RCMS ALS courses are delivered by practising healthcare professionals with real experience in emergency and critical care. Training is aligned with Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) standards and is highly practical, using realistic scenarios, team-based simulations and supportive feedback to help you apply ALS skills safely and confidently in your own clinical setting.

ALS training is designed for experienced clinicians who are likely to lead or take an active role in resuscitation attempts. This includes doctors, senior Nurses, operating department practitioners, paramedics, advanced clinical practitioners and other staff working in acute, hospital, theatre or pre-hospital environments.

You can expect a structured, intensive programme combining pre-course reading, classroom teaching, skills stations and scenario-based simulations. You will practise advanced airway techniques, rhythm recognition, safe defibrillation and emergency drug administration, as well as leadership and communication within the resuscitation team. Assessment is ongoing and focused on ensuring you can apply ALS algorithms in real clinical practice.

Yes. Participants are normally expected to be competent in Basic Life Support (BLS) and, ideally, Intermediate Life Support (ILS) or equivalent experience before attending ALS. If you are unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, please contact the RCMS team and we will be happy to advise.

ALS certification is typically valid for a defined period in line with Resuscitation Council UK guidance and local policy. Refresher or update training is recommended to ensure your skills and knowledge remain current with the latest resuscitation guidelines.