Eleven complete ACLS class

Eleven medical professionals successfully completed the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) class April 2 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese.

Those from St. Joseph's in Breese included Bonnie Gelly, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist who joined Southern Obstetric and Gynecologic Associates in Breese in 2007; Amy Basinger and Kim Seiffert of Cardiopulmonary; Chad Nordike of the Emergency Room; Diane Hempen and Erica Wessling of 1South; and Cathy Bostick, Tamra Dugger, Helen Essenpreis and Melissa Seibert of the Women and Infants Center.           

Also completing the course was Debra Atwood of Dr. Keith Thomae's office in Highland.

Designed for healthcare professionals, ACLS focuses on the emergency management of acute cardiac conditions. During the course, information is presented and participants practice at various teaching stations then complete written and hands-on testing.

Those successfully completing the course are ACLS-certified by the American Heart Association. At St. Joseph's in Breese, all nursing staff in patient care areas as well as cardiopulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation staff are required to maintain ACLS certification.

Course instructors include physicians David L. Neighbors, MD, of Competitive Edge Sports Medicine who is also course medical director, and anesthesiologist Richard Stern, MD; Patient Care Supervisor Paulette Evans, 1South Supervisor Jan Hustedde; Cardiopulmonary Director Tom Schaltenbrand ; and registered nurses Sue Richter, Sue Warren and Wally Glauber. Community Education Director Kathie Heimann and Clinical Educator Barb Eilers are course coordinators.

St. Joseph's in Breese offers ACLS classes on a regular basis. For details, upcoming dates or to register, contact Community Education at 526-5353 or email Kathy Heimann.