Creation of a Mobile Schoolhouse; Teaching BLS, ACLS & PALS Within a National Guard CERFP Unit

In an effort to provide medical aid as well as the mitigate and prevent human suffering during homeland disasters the Air National Guard has been tasked with augmenting the public and private sector in emergency response. Specially trained units known as the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, high-yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFPs) are positioned throughout the country for a rapid response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, high-yield explosive and natural disasters. The members within the CERFP are required to obtain and maintain crucial certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). These certifications are traditionally obtained through a third party at the expense of the government. Utilization of a third party for certification is costly, inefficient and can result in lapses in certification. Creation of a internal training group referred to as a mobile schoolhouse was founded by partnering with a local university authorized as an American Heart Association Training Facility to establish a Satellite Training Site to instruct and certify BLS, ACLS, and PALS providers. Through this newly formed partnership the Utah Air National Guard was able to utilize CERFP members as course instructors resulting in drastic savings to the government. Utilization of a third party resulted in yearly costs of $18,881.58, while creation and implementation of the mobile schoolhouse demonstrated a drastic reduction in yearly costs at $6,404.22. Transitioning to a mobile schoolhouse results a 65% reduction of total costs, decreases recertification burdens for medical personnel, increases unit readiness and fiscal responsibility.