3 Things To Know For Your ACLS Course

3 Things To Know For Your ACLS Course

In any Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS/ALS) training course, you’ll learn a variety of emergency cardiac response techniques including:

• Cardiac arrest response
• Airway management
• EKG Interpretation
• ACLS pharmacology
• Resuscitation Team Dynamics

In order to be successful in your upcoming ACLS course you’ll need to review the mentioned topics in order to increase your knowledge an understanding. To help you navigate a successful pathway toward the completion of your ACLS training, we’ve collected a list of 3 ACLS course important topics.

ACLS mnemonics

You’ll also want to remember the potential causes behind your patient’s arrhythmias, sometimes referred to as the “Hs and Ts”.
1. The “Hs” include: Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion excess, Hyperkalemia, Hypokalemia, and Hypothermia.
2. The “Ts” include: Toxins, Tamponade, Tension pneumothorax, and Thrombosis.

​ACLS algorithms and ECG Interpretation

​An understanding of the ACLS algorithms and EKGs is paramount for optimizing your success in your ACLS course. Memorizing these algorithms will help you know the proper steps to care for a patient experiencing a cardiac emergency.
Examples include Bradycardia Algorithm, Tachycardia Algorithm, Acute Coronary Syndrome Algorithm, Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm, and the Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Algorithm.

ACLS medications

A knowledge of medications and dosages associated with ACLS algorithms is also important. Understanding which drugs are considered “primary ACLS drugs” will provide you with the skills yo offer emergency critical care to your patient. Please remember that as AHA guidelines change, it's also important to review the most recent list of ACLS medications to see if any medications have been added or removed. In addition, in preparation for your ACLS course, you'll need to be able to recall a few different medications such as atropine, adenosine, epinephrine, and lidocaine.

Get ACLS Certified With Help-A-Heart CPR

Need to get ACLS certified or renew your certification? Take our ACLS course here at Help-A-Heart CPR. Our program follows American Heart Association guidelines for a comprehensive, high-quality education. Plus, our team of experienced professionals makes learning fun and engaging. Register for a class today!