When minutes matter: strengthening cardiac emergency response in Lao PDR through advanced cardiovascular life support training

Cardiovascular diseases remain among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Lao PDR. With cardiac arrest and life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies being a frequent reality for frontline healthcare workers, their skills in advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) must be strengthened to ensure rapid and effective responses. As part of Luxembourg’s continued support for sustainable health system strengthening in Lao PDR, the Health and nutrition programme supported the participation of a delegation of nine doctors and nurses from cardiology, vascular, intensive care unit, emergency and critical care departments of three central hospitals (Mahosot, Mittaphab and Setthathirath), together with one lecturer from the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Health Sciences, in attending an ACLS training course by certified international trainers at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, on 14 and 15 February 2026.

The relevance of such investments in capacity development could not be more critical: eight out of ten participants reported encountering cardiac arrest or severe cardiovascular emergencies on a weekly basis or even more frequently, while the majority had not previously participated in any comparable advanced training.  

While the training itself focused on evidence-based resuscitation algorithms, defibrillation, airway management, electrocardiogram interpretation and pharmacological interventions, its broader contribution extends far beyond technical skills. The training responds directly to identified system-level challenges in cardiovascular emergency care by promoting systematic problem-solving steps, including stronger coordination and teamwork.

Following the training, all participants reported a significant increase in confidence in managing cardiac arrest cases and an improved understanding of teamwork in emergency case management. The training’s success is reflected not only in improved individual competencies but also, as one participant noted:

Beyond technical skills, participants emphasised the improved use of closed-loop communication, clearer role allocation, and more structured, principle-based emergency responses, which are critical factors in determining survival outcomes.

Recognising that sustainable health system strengthening requires multiplier effects, participants committed to cascading the knowledge gained through structured internal dissemination plans. Participants reported their intentions to organise biannual ACLS refresher sessions within their departments and ensure practical training sessions are held for doctors and nurses to integrate updated ACLS principles. Some participants also expressed motivation to pursue ACLS instructor-level certification to further expand national capacities.

Ultimately, the Health and nutrition programme’s investments are about more than training. By supporting targeted, needs-based advanced training opportunities, the programme helps equip the healthcare system with the skills and leadership required to respond decisively when minutes determine survival. In the context of rising cardiovascular disease burdens, Luxembourg’s support is critical in building resilient emergency response capacities and stronger health systems in Lao PDR that can deliver life-saving care when it matters most.

The Health and nutrition programme is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.