Acute Resuscitation and Crisis Management: Acute Critical Events Simulation (ACES)

Ian W. Toal is a registered nurse in Winnipeg.

This book is the basic textbook for the Acute Critical Events Simulation
(ACES) Resuscitation Course in which physicians are trained to treat
patients who are in life-threatening circumstances. The program emerged
from a realization that other professionals (such as pilots) practise
emergency situations through simulations, while physicians were expected
to “just cope.”

The book’s structure is straightforward. Each chapter deals with a
particular topic, such as how to approach a critically ill patient. A
case study is presented, and the chapter moves from basic concepts to
more complicated ones.

The problem lies in the content. Although it is well written and
accurate, the book is basically a critical care program that usually
takes years to complete. There are chapters on how to intubate a patient
and how to manage mechanical ventilation. Management of cardiogenic and
septic shock is discussed in detail, from fluid resuscitation to
choosing appropriate antibiotic therapy for a septic patient. These are
concepts and skills that take years to master, and while this book is an
excellent starting point, the limitations to what it can provide must be
acknowledged. Another disappointment is that one of the most important
sections—how to train yourself to think during an emergency
situation—is treated in a somewhat simplistic and cursory manner.

Drawbacks aside, many in the medical profession will find the book a
valuable resource.