3. What is ACLS
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a
systematic approach to resuscitation efforts.
• ACLS training gives rescuers a coordinated way
to approach critically ill patients, regardless of
response team size.
4. ACLS Core Concepts
1. Airway management
i. You should know how to insert or assist with ETT
(Endotracheal Tube).
ii. You should also know alternative ventilation techniques,
such as how to use a BVM (Bag Valve Mask) device and
LMA (Laryngeal Mask Airway).
2. BLS
i. You should be proficient in BLS and certified within the
last 2 years; or
ii. Are a BLS Instructor/Trainer and have conducted
workshops in BLS at least once a year for the past 2 years.
7. ACLS Core Concepts
3. Early management
You should know how to
manage the first 30 minutes of
emergencies that result from
such causes as:
• Acute Coronary Syndrome
• Cardiac Arrest
– medical
– associated with trauma
– in a pregnant patient
• Cardiac Tamponade
• Drowning / Near-Drowning
• Electrocution / Lightning
Strike
• Hypothermia
• Pneumothorax
• (Possible) Drug Overdose
• Stroke
• Thrombosis
8. ACLS Core Concepts
4. Electrical Therapy
You should know how to safely use electrical devices like:
i. Conventional Defibrillators
ii. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
iii. Temporary Pacemakers (TPM)
5. Emergency conditions
i. You should be able to identify indications for ACLS,
such as Asystole, PEA, SVTs, VTach, and VFib.
ii. You should also be able to administer appropriate
treatment.
9. ACLS Core Concepts
6. I.V. and Invasive Techniques
You should be familiar with:
– Peripheral I.V. Line Insertion
– Central Line Insertion
– Intraosseous Cannulation
7. Pharmacology
You should know the action, indication, dosages, and
precautions for the major drugs used during ACLS, such
as adenosine, amiodarone, and epinephrine.
10. 5 Links in Adult Chain of Survival
1. Immediate recognition and activation of the
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – call
1122
2. Early Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
with high-quality chest compressions
3. Rapid Defibrillation
4. Effective Advanced Cardiac Life Support
(ACLS)
5. Integrated post–cardiac arrest care
11. 5 Links in Adult Chain of Survival
1. Immediate recognition and activation of the
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – call
1122
2. Early Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
with high-quality chest compressions
3. Rapid Defibrillation
4. Effective Advanced Cardiac Life Support
(ACLS)
5. Integrated post–cardiac arrest care
14. Step 5 – Integrated After Care
Following Return Of Spontaneous Circulation
(ROSC), integrated post–cardiac arrest care
emphasizes the importance of comprehensive,
multidisciplinary care, including interventions to:
1. Optimize bodily functions;
1. Hemodynamic,
2. Neurologic, and
3. Metabolic and
2. The use of Therapeutic Hypothermia (Possibly)
17. Shocking the Heart
Cardioversion
• Planned / Scheduled
• Synchronized
• Low energy settings
– 25 to 150 J
• Chemical alternative
• Rx Atrial Arrhythmias
Defibrillation
• Unscheduled /Emergency
• Asynchronous
• High energy settings
– 200 – 360 J
• No Chemical Alternate
• Rx of Ventricular
Arrhythmias
18. Types of Defibrillators
Monophasic Vs. Biphasic Shock
• A monophasic shock only
travels in one direction from
one paddle to another
• a biphasic shock travels
from one paddle to the
other and then back several
times.
Types
1. Automated External
Defibrillators (AEDs)
2. Semi-Automated AEDs
3. Standard / Conventional
Defibrillators
4. Implanted Defibrillators (eg
DDD or DDI)
