ACLS Course
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Course Overview
The goal of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is to achieve the best possible outcome for individuals who are experiencing a life-threatening event. ACLS is a series of evidence-based responses simple enough to be committed to memory and recalled under moments of stress. These
ACLS protocols have been developed through research, patient case studies, clinical studies, and opinions of experts in the field.
Upon completion of this course, a ACLS card will be issued by the American Heart Association.
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Basic arrhythmia identification skills
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Knowledge of pharmacology in critical care and emergency settings.
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Recommended BLS Healthcare Provider validation within the last 12 months.
Per the AHA, "The ACLS Provider Course does not teach algorithms, ECG rhythm recognition, or pharmacology. If you do not learn and understand the ECG and pharmacology information in the Pre-course Self-Assessment, it is unlikely that you can successfully complete the ACLS Provider Course."
To strengthen your rhythm recognition, or pharmacology knowledge, please consider enrolling in our ECG & pharmacology course.
Required Pre-Requisites
For Successful Completion
Prior preparation is required for completion of this course. The ACLS materials must also be obtained. These materials consist of the most recent ACLS Provider Manual and/or the most recent ECC Handbook from the AHA. Supplemental material is available on this website. This helps the learner measure pre-course strengths and weaknesses, and gives the learner areas for pre-course review.
Successful completion of this course is dependent upon the learner demonstrating satisfactory skills in the following areas:
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Arrhythmia recognition
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Algorithm application
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Airway management
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Defibrillation/Cardioversion
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CPR
A score of at least 84% must be achieved on the final written examination.
Curriculum
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Curriculum
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CPR / AED Competency
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Airway Management
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Defibrillation/Synchronized Cardioversion
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Resuscitation Team Concept
Case Studies
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Respiratory Arrest
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Pulseless Arrest
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Bradycardia
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Tachycardia
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Acute Coronary Syndrome
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Acute Ischemic Stroke
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course the participants will be able to:
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Identify common pre, peri, post arrest cardiac arrhythmia complications and apply therapeutic management utilizing AHA algorithm guidelines.
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Demonstrate proficiency in providing BLS care, including prioritizing chest compressions and integrating AED use.
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Manage cardiac arrest until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), termination of resuscitation, or transfer of care.
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Identify and treat ischemic chest pain and expedite the care of patients with acute coronary syndromes.
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Apply the 8 D’s of stroke care, explaining why timely action is necessary.
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Demonstrate effective communication skills as a member or leader of a resuscitation team and recognize the impact of team dynamics on overall team performance.
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Demonstrate respect for the patients’ culturally based health beliefs.
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Discuss Condensed Formats of cross-cultural communication.
