Free Advanced Cardiac Life Support Tutorial

Advanced cardiac life support, or ACLS, is a series of treatments used by medical professionals in an attempt to save a patient's life when cardiac arrest occurs. ACLS is a combination of medications and procedures performed in the event of cardiac arrest. Procedures involving airway, breathing and circulation, in addition to medications, are performed during ACLS.

  1. Airway Management

    • Airway management is an important part of ACLS. If an airway is blocked or unsecured, the body has no way of receiving oxygen. Endotracheal (ET) intubation controls an airway during ACLS. ET intubation involves placing an ET tube through the larynx into lungs. The ET tube provides a secure way for oxygen to enter the body.

    Assist Breathing

    • In ACLS, use a bag valve mask or ventilator to assist breathing. A bag valve mask attaches to the ET tube and has a bag that fills up with air that gets pumped into the lungs. The AHA recommends squeezing the bag over a period of one second--inhalation--and watch the chest rise. Wait for the chest to fall back into place--exhalation--before giving the next breath. Ventilators attach to the ET tubes. Set a ventilator to specific settings that allows the machine to emulate breathing.

    Circulation and Shocking

    • Provide circulation and cardioversion (accomplished with an electrical shock) when performing ACLS. Chest compressions manually provide circulation. A heart monitor allows rhythm analysis and provides a way to shock the heart. Cardioversion occurs when a heart rhythm that is irregular converts to a normal sinus rhythm. This is accomplished by certain medications and electric shock.

    ACLS Medications

    • Epinephrine (Epi), atropine, lidocaine, amiodarone and magnesium are drugs used, in accordance with AHA guidlelines, in ACLS. The AHA recommends that medications be given immediately after rhythm analysis during CPR to allow the drugs to circulate through the body during compressions. Never interrupt CPR to administer drugs. Follow the guidelines and medication dosages established in ACLS protocol.

    ACLS Certification

    • ACLS certification can be obtained by paramedics, nurses, doctors and other highly trained medical professionals after the completion of an accredited ACLS program. ACLS programs are available as classes that are attended in person or online. ACLS cannot be performed without proper certification. ACLS certification lasts for two years and must be renewed.