Learning Objectives: To train Emergency Medicine residents how to properly and safely handle complex scenarios that require resuscitation outside the normal Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) algorithm using peri-code algorithms using both high and low fidelity techniques.

All Emergency Medicine residents get basic training running a code during their ACLS certification in the United States. However, there are not many easily applicable and accessible courses that provide comprehensive detailed training on peri-arrest scenarios. Beyond ACLS is a 1-day training course that took place in our simulation center. Residents were first given a questionnaire regarding their confidence and knowledge on scenarios that may require them to deviate from the ACLS algorithm. Residents were subsequently split into groups of three, each consisting of an intern, junior and senior resident. The intern was responsible for airway, the junior was running the resuscitation and the senior was overseeing the whole process, ultimately inserting them into an attending position to guide their junior colleagues. After that, each team ran a total of 8 stations, each with different scenarios designed to challenge them in different cardiac situations. These stations also helped them develop strategies to think outside the box when circumstances or presentations are not normal. They also focused on team dynamics and teamwork in which learners practiced how to interact with other medical staff that may be present during resuscitations. The stations used both high and low fidelity techniques, as well as ultrasound training. After the conclusion of the session, the same questionnaire was given to the residents to account for differences in confidence and overall knowledge.

Introduction: Most emergency medicine (EM) applicants use the internet as a source of information when evaluating residency programs. Previous studies have analyzed the components of residency program websites; however, there is a paucity of information regarding EM program websites. The purpose of our study was to analyze information on EM residency program websites.

Methods: In April–May 2020, we evaluated 249 United States EM residency program websites for presence or absence of 38 items relevant to EM applicants. Descriptive statistics were performed, including means and standard deviations.

Results: Of the 249 EM websites evaluated, the websites contained a mean of 20 of 38 items (53%). Only 16 programs (6%) contained at least three-quarters of the items of interest, and no programs contained all 38 items. The general categories with the least amount of items were social media use (9%), research (46%), and lifestyle (49%), compared to the other general categories such as application process (58%), resident information (63%), general program information (67%), and facility information (69%). The items provided by programs most often included program description (98%), blocks and rotations (91%), and faculty listing (88%). The items provided least often included housing/neighborhood information (17%) and social media links (19%). 

Conclusion: Our comprehensive review of EM residency websites in the US revealed the absence of many variables on most programs’ websites. Use of this information to enhance accessibility of desired information stands to benefit both applicants and programs in the increasingly competitive specialty of EM.

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