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About Us Resuscitation Council

Welcome to the About page of the Resuscitation Council of College of Anaesthesiologists & Intensivists of Sri Lanka. We are a highly motivated and experienced group of healthcare providers dedicated to providing the highest quality resuscitation training. With our strong commitment to excellence, we strive to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to save lives through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

As the first organization in Sri Lanka to offer internationally accredited adult Advanced Life Support (ALS) courses with cardiac arrest simulation training, we take great pride in our pioneering role. Our courses adhere to the guidelines set forth by the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), ensuring that our training is in line with global standards.

When you choose our training programs, you can expect a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience. Our team of subject area experts serves as instructors, delivering engaging lectures and hands-on training sessions. We maintain a low student to instructor ratio to ensure personalized attention and guidance throughout the learning process.

What sets us apart is our innovative approach to CPR training. We believe in providing a well-rounded educational experience that combines practical skills training, interactive lectures, and demonstrations. Additionally, we have integrated online training modules into our curriculum, allowing participants to conveniently access resources and further enhance their understanding.

Our mission is to empower healthcare providers and individuals from all walks of life with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations. By promoting best practices in resuscitation, we aim to make a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of the Sri Lankan community.

We invite you to explore our website further to learn more about our organization, training programs, and the valuable resources we offer. Join us on this journey of saving lives and making a difference through resuscitation training.

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Resuscitation Guidelines for Sri Lanka

Develop guidelines specific to resuscitation in Sri Lanka.

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Strengthening the Chain of Survival in Sri Lanka

Enhance and support the Chain of Survival system in Sri Lanka.

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Resuscitation Advisory and Resource Service

Provide guidance, resources, and support for resuscitation techniques, equipment, and teaching methods.

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Latest Evidence-Based CPR Teaching

Deliver up-to-date, evidence-based instruction on cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

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Research on Resuscitation Practice and Teaching

Foster research to improve resuscitation methods and teaching practices.

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Public and Government Awareness of Resuscitation in Sri Lanka

Raise awareness among the public and government about resuscitation requirements and practices in Sri Lanka.

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Collaboration and Discussion on Resuscitation

Foster collaboration with local and international organizations sharing similar goals, providing a platform for discussing all aspects of resuscitation.

Resuscitation Council of CoAISL

Dr. Mithrajee Premaratne

Chair

Dr. Nilmini Wijesuriya

National coordinator

Dr. Gitanjali Jayatilaka

Secretary

Dr. Dimuthu Gunasena

Treasurer

Dr. Chamin Weerasekera

Member

Dr. Haritha Dharmakeerthi

Member

Dr. Vihara Dassanayake

Member

Dr. Chamila Jayasekera

Member

Subcommittees

ALS
  • Dr. Mithrajee Premaratne - Head
  • Dr. Dimuthu Gunasena - Joint Head
  • Members
    • Dr. Chamindra Pathirana
    • Dr. Seneka Herath
    • Dr. Champika Abeysinghe
BLS
  • Dr. Nilmini Wijesuriya - Head
  • Dr. Kaushila Thilaksiri - Joint Head
  • Members
    • Dr. Lakmali Samaraweera
    • Dr. Lasith Perera
    • Dr. Dilumini Dharmasiriwardena
Education
  • Dr. Chamila Jayasekera - Head
  • Dr. Meneka Ranaweera - Joint Head
  • Members
    • Dr. Gayathri Thanthilage
    • Dr. Prasanna Nadaraja
    • Dr. Chamin Weerasekera
Research
  • Dr. Vihara Dassanayake - Head
  • Dr. Saman Nanyakkara - Joint Head
  • Members
    • Dr. Rasarie Wimalana
    • Dr. Malin Gunewardhena
    • Dr. Ruchira Sirimana
Patient Liaison
  • Dr. Haritha Dharmakeerthi - Head
  • Dr. Waruni Samaranayake - Joint Head
Legal/Ethical
  • Dr. Chamin Weerasekera - Head
  • Dr. Lakmini Perera - Joint Head
  • Members
    • Dr. Gita Jayatilaka

History

Dr Thistle Jayawardena pioneered regular CPR training at the General Hospital Colombo. Medical students, nurses and medical officers were trained in CPR.

1992 –1993 A team from the new Accident Service -Colombo General Hospital led by Dr Rohini Ranwala attended a training in Initial Trauma Resuscitation at Singapore General Hospital.

CPR teaching was conducted at Accident Service since 1993 –General Hospital Colombo under the guidance of Dr Shirani Hapuarachchi.

Colombo Lion’s club donated 5 manikins in 1994.

Incorporating CPR teaching to post graduate training in Anaesthesiology.

  • MD Anaesthesiology Part IA examination – CPR -viva voce was introduced in early 2000.
  • It was decided to have CPR certification as a prerequisite for sitting MD Anaesthesiology Part 1A in 2005
  • CPR workshop was added as preparation course for MD Anaesthesiology -1A– 2005

CPR training at Accident Service –General Hospital Colombo was converted to CPR certification course in 2007. Dr Shirani Hapuarachchi pioneered this project. This CPR course was held every Tuesday at the Trauma Lecture Theatre of the Accident Service, General Hospital, Colombo. Participants were provided with a certificate from College of Anaesthesiologists of Sri Lanka after a MCQ paper and a practical examination. Since then, adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in Sri Lanka has been almost exclusively carried out by the College of Anaesthesiologists of Sri Lanka, training thousands of health care providers in resuscitation techniques.

National ALS guidelines were published in 2007 by the College under the Health Sector Development Project of the Ministry of Health. The concept of a National Resuscitation Council was established during meetings of this project.

The College of Anaesthesiologists of Sri Lanka had initial meetings with relevant stakeholders to form a National Resuscitation Council in 2008. Dr Shirani Hapuarachchi and Dr Nilmini Wijesuriya, who was the Chair of the HSDP committee appointed by the College initiated these discussions.

CPR committee was established on 30th November 2012 to coordinate and streamline CPR training with the approval of the council of the College of Anaesthesiologists of Sri Lanka. The above committee was renamed as Working Committee on Resuscitation on 30th May 2014.

Regular CPR training was being conducted at 4 regional centers in the country namely Galle, Kandy, Ragama & Jaffna by 2013. Galle, Kandy and Jaffna conduct College accredited ALS courses at present.

CPR certification course for pre-intern doctors with the collaboration of the Ministry of Health Sri Lanka- commenced in September 2012

Emergency first aid & basic life support-Community based training – Commenced in 2013 from Nalanda College, Colombo 10

We have restructured CPR training conducted by the College of Anaesthesiologists & Intensivists of Sri Lanka taking into consideration of available scientific evidence:

  • We have designed a One-day Immediate Life Support (ILS) course in 2014 -
  • One Day ILS course was replaced by One day ALS course with pre-course online learning in 2015

ALS courses conducted by the Working Committee on Resuscitation College of Anaesthesiologists and Intensivists of Sri Lanka became mandatory prior to PGIM selection examinations.

European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Courses in Sri Lanka The College of Anaesthesiologists of Sri Lanka have signed a course collaboration agreement with the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) in July 2013 to conduct Advanced Life Support provider courses & Generic Instructor Courses (GIC) in Sri Lanka. Establishment of ERC courses was facilitated by the College President Dr Kumudini Ranatunga and Chair of the Working Committee on Resuscitation Dr Mithrajee Premaratne. Dr Mithrajee Premaratne became the first ERC ALS instructor after attending ERC ALS and GIC courses held in Sudan in 2014. He pioneered ERC ALS courses in Sri Lanka under guidance of Dr Carsten Lott.

  • First ERC ALS Provider course in Sri Lanka was held on 1st – 2nd November 2014 in Colombo – Trained 24 Candidates
  • First ERC Generic Instructor course was held on 4th -5th November 2014 – 18 Instructor candidates were trained.
  • First ERC Immediate Life Support course was held on 13th November 2014

Immediate life support in obstetric was conducted from 2017 on request by the College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians. Course organizer and director – Dr Nilmini Wijesuriya

Paediatric perioperative life support course in collaboration with Asia society of paediatric anaesthesiologist was conducted in 2018 at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children & SBSCH – Peradeniya 6 courses – 134 Nurses & Doctors attended.

Dr Chamila Jayasekera and Dr Vihara Dassanayake completed their educator training to make Sri Lanka self-sufficient with own educators to conduct GIC courses. Dr Githanjali Jayathilake is in the process of completing her educator training to become the third educator.

ERC ALS courses were conducted in other training centres – Peradeniya in 2017 and Jaffna in 2019.

Held discussions with the Western Province Governor & Western province health directors Education Ministry officials in 2019 to start a pilot project in “Kids Save Lives” in the Western province – could not proceed because of the COVID pandemic.

ERC ALS courses were held in Maldives under the leadership of Dr Mithrajee Premaratne-2019 -2020

Working Committee on Resuscitation joined to celebrate the World Restart heart Day (WRAH) on 16th October 2019 – Trained approximately 5000 Lay people in Basic Life support.

First ERC BLS course in Sri Lanka on 29th April 2021 – at NCTH for 12 candidates. Lead Instructor & Organiser – Dr. Nilmini Wijesuriya.

Working Committee on Resuscitation was renamed as the Resuscitation Council of the College of Anesthesiologists & Intensivists of Sri Lanka on 23rd October 2021

The inaugural meeting of the Resuscitation council was held on 30th January 2022 at the College of Anaesthesiologists of Sri Lanka.

World Restart a Heart Day is commemorated every year by training the public and school children in CPR throughout the year with the peak of training done in October. Dr Nilmini Wijesuriya was officially appointed as the Sri Lanka representative of the ILCOR World Restart a Heart Committee from July 2022 for a period of 2 years. Dr Dimuthu Gunasena will succeed her term as approved by the above committee.

Other achievements

  • Dr Vihara Dassanayake- Consultant Anaesthetist (ERC ALS instructor, Educator) has been selected as Associate member (mentee) ILCOR BLS Task Force since 2022
  • Dr. Chamila Jayasekera- Consultant Anaesthetist (ERC ALS instructor, Educator) has been selected to ERC science & education committee on instructor educator support since 2022.
  • Dr. Kaushila Thilakasiri -Senior Registrar in Emergency Medicine (ERC ALS instructor, member of the young ERC) has been selected to the ERC BLS scientific & education committee since 2022.

Summary - European Resuscitation council (ERC) courses in Sri Lanka 2014-2023

2014- 2023 Number of courses Candidates Results Instructor Potential Candidates
Registered Attended Fail Certification ALS ILS
ALS ILS BLS
ERC BLS 15 255 253 01 252
ERC ALS 71 914 898 11 864 22 2 252 22
ERC ILS 27 492 462 0 - 441 11 - 70
GIC 9 198 197 2 Instructor candidates 199 - -

Summary European Resuscitation council (ERC) – Instructors Sri Lanka has produced from 2014 to date

ERC ALS Instructors 103
ERC ALS Course Directors 04
ERC ILS Course Directors 56
ERC BLS Course Directors 03
ERC GIC - Instructor Trainers (IT) 08
ERC ALS Course Directors (CD) 04
ERC GIC - Course Directors (CD) 01