9008 - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

Course Description

The ACLS course builds on the foundation of lifesaving basic life support skills, emphasizing the importance of continuous, high-quality CPR.

Course Outline

Systematic approach (assessment); High-quality BLS; Airway management; Rhythm recognition; Defibrillation Intravenous (IV)/intraosseous (IO) access (information only); Use of medications; Cardioversion; Transcutaneous pacing; High-performance teams

Learner Outcomes

The course training outcomes for the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) program focus on equipping healthcare professionals with the clinical and teamwork skills needed to manage life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies. Upon completing the ACLS course, participants are expected to: 1) Apply Systematic Assessment: Use the Basic Life Support (BLS), primary, and secondary assessment sequences to evaluate adult patients. 2) Manage Cardiac Arrest: Recognize and manage cardiac arrest states—including ventricular fibrillation (VF), pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), asystole, and pulseless electrical activity (PEA)—until the termination of resuscitation or transfer of care. 3) Manage Respiratory Arrest: Identify and treat respiratory arrest effectively. 4) Recognize Critical Rhythms: Identify and manage acute dysrhythmias, including stable and unstable bradycardias and tachycardias that may lead to or complicate cardiac arrest. 5) Deliver Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Support return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), optimize ventilation and oxygenation, manage blood pressure, and identify reversible causes. 6) Treat Special Conditions: Demonstrate early recognition and initial management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and stroke. 7) Utilize Pharmacology: Integrate core ACLS emergency medications and proper dosages into treatment algorithms. 8) Master Airway Management: Apply advanced airway techniques and ventilation strategies. Demonstrate Team Dynamics: Function effectively as both a leader and a member of a high-performance resuscitation team using closed-loop communication and clear role assignments.