Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) 2010

ALSO Asia Pacific is a not for profit organisation whose primary function is to provide courses in the management of obstetric emergencies, under licence from the American Academy of Family Physicians. (AAFP), in Australia and surrounding regions (not New Zealand).The ‘ALSO’ course has recognition for continuing medical education from relevant professional colleges including the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), the Australian College of Midwives Incorporated (ACMI), the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). The ALSO course is recognised both in Australia and internationally for excellence in obstetric education. It is recommended that maternity care providers complete the course every 3-5 years.

ALSO Asia Pacific, is governed by a Board of 7 volunteer maternity care providers these cover the 3 professional groups being GP obstetricians, obstetricians, and midwives.

The ALSO (Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics) Course is a theoretical and practical course designed to assist health professionals develop and maintain the knowledge and practical skills to manage emergencies that may arise in maternity care.

The course originated in the USA in 1991, and is owned by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The ALSO course has been adapted to meet the needs of thousands of practitioners across the world, from the UK to Haiti, Canada to Nepal. In January 2001 the first group of ALSO instructors for the region were trained in Canberra. Since then over 50 courses have been held in Australia & New Zealand, teaching over 2000 maternity care professionals.