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Strokes are a leading cause of emergency situations in the U.S. and often require the attention of medical professionals who are ACLS certified. ACLS certification prepares healthcare providers for how to handle stroke victims, protocols, and recertification ensures that medical employees are up to date on the latest requirements. Hospitals and clinics are especially interested in hiring ACLS certified experts because when lives are at stake, there is no time to take chances.
Stroke Stats
• Strokes are the 3rd leading cause of death
• Strokes are the number one cause of long-term disabilities
• Someone in America has a stroke every 40 minutes
• Smokers are twice at risk of a stroke
• High blood pressure is the leading cause of a stroke
• More than 140,000 people die every year
• Over 6 million non-institutionalized adults have experienced a stroke
• Around 795,000 people suffer a stroke annually, which includes 185,000 reoccurrences
• Adults over the age of 65 are most at risk of a stroke
• The risk of a stroke doubles for every decade after the age of 55
• Patients stay approximately 5.3 days for treatment and observation
ACLS and Stroke Care
Healthcare professionals know there is a reason why it is called “practicing” medicine, and this term does not only apply to MDs. Continuing education is required so that patients receive optimal care and medical professionals are best equipped to handle stroke situations.
The good news is that strokes decreased 30% from 1995 – 2005, but that is little comfort to the hundreds of thousands of people who experience this often crippling attack every year. More healthcare providers are requiring ACLS certification for medical personnel who often handle emergency and urgent care. ACLS certification gives providers the necessary tools and knowledge to make the right decisions when caring for a stroke victim, correct protocol, and the latest information from the American Heart Association.
Recertification is required every two years, which means every ACLS certified professional is committed to continuing education. There are often changes and updates made to ACLS guidelines to provide medical professionals with the latest information. If your employer is not requiring ACLS certification right now, there is a very good chance that they will in the future. Professionals who are not required to have ACLS certification should still consider the online course because it gives them an edge over their colleagues, provides them with more education to provide the best care, and can increase the chances of a promotion.
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