Level III - Emergency ECG Certification and Cardiac Emergency Certification

This level involves three possible levels to meet the demands of varying Emergency Personnel from First Responder, to nurses, physicians, and technicians.   The exam is in stair-steps of complexity, allowing the potential examinee to take any part of the certification exam they wish.  The highest level of CEC offered is the level IIIC for emergency physicians.  

Level IIIA deals strictly with the ECG identification of the common cardiac emergencies.  This level of the exam was designed and intended for emergency physicians, physician assistants, emergency nurses, first responders, ECG technicians, CCU/CVICU, cath lab, and interventional cardiac nurses and nurse practitioners.   All candidates take this exam.

Level IIIB deals with ACLS protocols, therefore if a provider and potential examinee already holds a current ACLS license, they may be exempt from taking this portion of the exam and move to part B below.   This level of the exam was designed and intended for all health care staff members working with acute cardiac patients in hospital and in the private sector.  Waived for those who hold current ACLS certification.

Level IIIC deals with the general principles of identification and management of cardiac emergencies.  This level of the exam was designed and intended for emergency physicians in hospital settings.  Optional but highly recommended for physician candidates.

Part A:  Objectives to be accomplished:

Identification of the 8 Common Cardiac Emergencies from the Electrocardiogram:

1.  Myocardial Infarction and Ischemia
2.  Advanced AV Block
3.  Pericarditis
4.  Pulmonary Embolus
5.  Supraventricular Tachycardias
6.  Ventricular Tachycardias
7.  Electrolyte Disturbances
8.  Sick Sinus Syndrome


Part B:  Objectives to be Accomplished for the ACLS Protocols
(waived with valid ACLS card)

Identify clinical signs an symptoms of cardiac and respiratory arrest
Identify the appropriate techniques in airway management
Identify the correct and effective mouth-to-mouth and/or bag-to-mask and /or bag-to-ETT techniques
Identify the correct technique of ventilation 
Identify and feel the carotid artery for a pulse
Identify the correct and effective compression technique
Recognize and demonstrate ability to effectively manage the following arrest situations:
    Ventricular fibrillation
    Ventricular tachycardia
    Asystole
    Pulseless electrical activity
    Bradycardias
Identify the principles and technique of defibrillation
Identify potential complications of defibrillation
Troubleshoot the failure of equipment to defibrillate
Identify the principles and application technique of applying an external pacemaker device
Identify and analyze alterations in physiologic parameters presented and identify the interventions needed
Effectively anticipate and manage the following common cardiac emergencies

Part C:  Objectives to be Accomplished in the Management of Cardiac Emergencies

General Principles of Identification and Management of the Following Cardiac Emergencies:

Aortic Dissection
Asystole
Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Ventricular Response
Atrial Flutter
Atrial Tachycardia
AV Blocks
B-Blocker Overdose
Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose
Digoxin Toxicity and Overdose
Hyperkalemia and Hypokalemia
Hypertensive Emergencies
Myocardial Infarction
Pacemaker-Mediated Tachycardia
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia
Pericardial Tamponade
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary Thromboembolism
Pulseless Electrical Activity (Electromechanical Dissociation)
Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia or Ventricular Fibrillation
Reciprocating Tachycardia Complicating Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
Torsade de Pointes
Unstable Angina
Ventricular Tachycardia