What is Advanced Cardiac Life Support Training?

The Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course is intended for any healthcare provider that desires to advance their skills, related to the resuscitation of an adult patient during a cardiopulmonary emergency. During an ACLS course, health care providers learn clinical interventions for the treatment of life threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest. It takes about 16 hours to complete through the American Heart Association or Americn Safety and Health Institute.

After completion of an ACLS course, the healthcare professional has learned how to use algorithms and vital signs to shock (defibrillate) a heart back into normal rhythm. Correct assessment for the placement of airway devices is learned. ACLS includes pharmacology implementation and intravenous lines, as part of life support. There is also an assessment for causes of the cardiopulmonary emergency- (heart attack?, stroke?, shock?, drug overdose?, trauma? etc…) ACLS teaches specific intervention steps for each possible cause of the emergency. However, the ACLS course also teaches the importance of team communication, team leadership, and the continuation of BLS during ACLS.

In order to take an ACLS course, the healthcare provider will register and pay the course fees. A date is set for attendance. However, the ACLS manual is sent prior to that date. Healthcare professionals taking the course are expected to know the contents of the manual -- prior to actually attending the course. A knowledge of the emergency pharmacology, BLS, and ECG interpretation is also expected-- prior to taking the course.

All of the ACLS principles are taught through simulated scenarios (with hands on training,) CD or DVD, lecture, and text (provider manual.) Learning stations are set up to practice each skill. In addition to learning ACLS techniques as an emergency team member, the student will also learn the role of an ACLS team leader.

After completion of the course, a written and skills performance exam is given. In order to become certified, both of these tests must be passed. A card, much like a CPR card, will be issued after passing the exams. The card is valid for 2 years, and then a renewal course is needed to keep the card current.

ACLS should not be confused with Basic Life Support (BLS.) BLS does not include the use of drugs or invasive procedures. Essentially, BLS is the building block for ACLS. In fact, BLS is a prerequisite for taking the ACLS course.

Who can become ACLS certified?

ACLS requires extensive medical knowledge, and is offered to health care professionals such as:

Nurse
Doctor
Nurse Practitioner
Paramedic
Respiratory Therapist
Physician Assistant
EMT

 

ACLS training is generally required, by most hospitals, for any healthcare professional that works in an emergency room or intensive care unit. However, any healthcare provider that participates in resuscitation techniques may be asked by an employer to become ACLS certified.

Michael Morales

 

 

 

 

 

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American Red Cross, American Heart Association (AHA), and American Health and Safety Institute guidelines. Instructors available on site.

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ACLS PALS Provider Classes, Online Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider, Certification Renewal and Re certification Courses ECG, EKG and Instructor courses

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Ventricular Fibrillation - Online Training - Becoming an Instructor - Traumatic Brain Injury - What is PALS? - What is ACLS? - Oncology Nursing

Before You Start Chest Compressions - EMS Loves H.A.M - Phases of CPR - Acute Coronary Syndrome - Aneurysm - What is a CVA? - What is a TIA?

LPN Program Info - How to get into LPN School - Thinking About Nurisng? - LPN State Exam - Transitioning from LPN to RN

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