Note to Users
The
CALS course was developed for rural and other healthcare providers who
work in an environment with limited resources, but who are also
responsible for the emergency care in their often geographically
isolated communities. Based on an initial needs assessment study as
well as ongoing feedback from provider participants, the CALS course
endorses practical evaluation and treatment recommendations that
reflect broad consensus and time-tested approaches.
The organization of CALS Provider Manual Edition 13 reflects the CALS Universal Approach to Patient Care. VOLUME I contains information needed during the FIRST THIRTY MINUTES of patient care. The ACUTE CARE ALGORITHMS/TREATMENT PLANS/AND ACRONYMS are the necessary tools during an emergency and are designed for quick access. The STEPS describe a system to diagnose and treat the emergent patient. Then, the FOCUSED CLINICAL PATHWAYS provide a brief review of most conditions encountered in the emergency setting.
VOLUME II is composed of RESUSCITATION PROCEDURES that are divided into appropriate areas of clinical expertise, which illustrate hands-on techniques. VOLUME III, composed of DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND TRANSITION TO DEFINITIVE CARE PORTALS, is also divided into appropriate areas of clinical expertise. In conjunction with the FOCUSED CLINICAL PATHWAYS, these detail further, specialized guidelines on many conditions.
Recommendations in the CALS course manual are aligned with those from organizations such as the American Heart Association, American College of Surgeons, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Academy of Neurology, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Institutes of Health, and Centers for Disease Control. The CALS Program has selected and modified some recommendations to meet the specific needs and constraints of our participants.
CALS teaches basic sound management principles and intentionally refrains from making definitive statements advocating or condemning rational alternatives for achieving a desired clinical result. The CALS position is to present reasonable options unless the evidence base clearly supports one choice over another.
The CALS Provider Manual Edition 13 is available online at www.calsprogram.org.
Suzanne Schoenfelt
CALS Editor
Minneapolis, Minnesota
wrdsmss@aol.com
January 2012