Compulsory CPR training in next triennium

DOCTORS will be required to complete basic CPR courses as part of the QA&CPD program from the start of the 2008 triennium.The change was announced in an RACGP newsletter sent out to QA&CPD providers this month, and followed reform of the Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines.

The newsletter stated that “urban and rural GPs supported” the plan to incorporate CPR into “the new triennium framework”.

New CPR protocols came into effect in March last year, including changes to the use of defibrillation, and compression and ventilation cycles.

Council chairman Associate Professor Ian Jacobs said it was important all GPs were up to date with current CPR techniques.

CEO of St John Ambulance Australia Len Fiori welcomed the chance “to provide CPR training for GPs”.

The RACGP said it would not comment on the QA&CPD program changes until its Annual Scientific Convention in October.