Team Roles and Responsibilities

• Discuss the key roles and responsibilities of the ALS Team
• Discuss group support and critical incident debriefing

Teamwork is essential to ensure successful management of cardiac arrest situations.

The skill mix of the team will vary from time to time but it is imperative that the person with the most experience in advanced life support assumes the role of team coordinator.

Paediatric resuscitation teams should not only train in the knowledge and skills of PALS but also in the teamwork and coordination aspects of efficient paediatric resuscitation.

ANZCOR Guideline 12.2, 2024

• Early activation of the emergency call.
• Clear identification of the Team Leader.
• Assignment of roles to Team Members suitable to their knowledge & experience.
• Continuation of effective Basic Life Support with minimal interruption.
• Clear & direct instruction given to each Team Member.
• Effective communication between Team Members using closed loop communication.
• Sound knowledge of the PALS algorithm & treatment pathways.
• Skilled patient assessment & reassessment.
• Completeness of documentation.
• Follow-up & debrief with family and staff.

The Team Leader is to direct Team Members and coordinate resuscitation efforts. Ideally the Team Leader should not become involved in undertaking direct procedures unless necessary, such as procedures which require skills that only the Team Leader possesses at the time.