What is the BAA CPG Update Course?

The Basic Ambulance Assistant CPG Update course is intended for the BLS Practitioner who is looking to complete their CPG Update to meet the requirements of the HPCSA and update themselves to the newest skills and medications that were added to the BAA scope of practice.

What is Covered in the BAA CPG Update Course?

On completion of the BAA CPG Update course, successful candidates would gain in-depth knowledge on the following sections:

• Airway Management – The importance of correct oxygen administration, monitoring of oxygen saturation with a Pulse Oximeter, and the ventilation of a sedated patient via an advanced airway is discussed.
• Cardiovascular Emergencies – In this chapter, we look at the use of an automated Blood Pressure Apparatus and administering Aspirin to suspected cardiac patients.
• Respiratory Emergencies – Administration of nebulised B2 stimulants and Ipratropium Bromide to asthma patients has been placed onto the BAA Paramedic’s scope and these medications are discussed in depth.
• Neurological Emergencies – Stroke identification and Seizures in both adults and paediatrics are looked at.
• Gastrointestinal Emergencies – We look at paediatric gastroenteritis along with shock and oral rehydration is covered which is crucial, especially when servicing rural communities. We also discuss fever and sepsis.
• Gynaecological and Obstetric Emergencies – A renewed focus has been placed on gynaecological and obstetric emergencies in the CPG Updates. Abnormal and breech deliveries are discussed along with new breech delivery skills that have been placed on the BAA Protocols. The use of an incubator for interhospital transfers is discussed as well as post-partum haemorrhage and cardiac arrest in pregnancy.
• Trauma and Spinal Restriction – The use of tourniquets and haemostatic agents for uncontrollable bleeding is discussed, as well as the use of the vacuum mattress and pelvic immobilisation.

Who Can Benefit from this Course?

Any qualified Basic Ambulance Assistant will benefit from this exciting and in-depth BAA CPG Update course. Irrespective of their area of operation or years of experience; this course will assist in updating skills and knowledge to become up-to-date with the best practice and latest research.

This course provides 15 CPD points (13 CEUs + 2 Ethics) which is the number of points required annually by the BAA Practitioner to remain registered with the HPCSA. 

If your HPCSA registration has lapsed and you need to restore your BAA Registration with the HPCSA the requirements are as follows (according to the latest HPCSA Restoration Guidelines dated May 2022):

• 0-2 years since removal from the register – Obtain 15 CPD points before applying to the HPCSA for BAA Restoration. Another 15 CPD points must be obtained in the first 12 months after your BAA Registration was restored. The Basic Ambulance Assistant CPG Update course will be sufficient for Restoration if your BAA Registration has lapsed for less than 2 years.
• 2 years and since removal from the register – Following payment of arrear fees, BAA Practitioners will have to pass the HPCSA Board examination. The Board examination includes various OSCEs, a written assessment, an adult patient simulation, as well as a paediatric simulation. These exams may be attempted twice whereafter additional attempts will not be allowed. A Refresher course from an approved provider is not required, however, we highly recommend doing our BAA Refresher course to prepare you for the BAA Board Examination for Restoration Purposes.

How is this Course Presented?

The Basic Ambulance Assistant CPG Update course was developed, reviewed, and will be presented by experts with many years of experience in the Prehospital Emergency Care setting. Keeping the cost of travelling and availability in mind the BAA CPG Update course was approved by the University of Johannesburg as a semi-correspondence course. 

Candidates will receive their training material via courier which includes an A5 training manual, a Workbook, and a BAA Drug Protocol booklet. The Workbook must be completed before the start of the BAA CPG Update course, after which candidates will have to attend a 1-day session which consists of a half day of discussions regarding important points followed by various assessments. Successful candidates will receive a certificate for the CPG Update which will automatically be uploaded to the HPCSA database.

How is this Course Assessed?

The BAA CPG Update course is mostly a correspondence course and on completion of the workbook, candidates will be assessed.

Successful candidates must pass the OSCEs, the Patient Simulation, the Written Assessment, as well as the Workbook. A second attempt at the assessment will be available should a candidate be found not yet competent.