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Unlimited Final Exam Retakes
» 8 CEH with No Skills Test Required

» Online Recertification & Practice Exams
» 100% Online ACLS Provider Manual
» ACLS Provider Card with Free Shipping
» Free Instant Email Card
»

Unlimited Final Exam Retakes
» 4 CEH with No Skills Test Required

History and Overview of Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification Course

Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) was developed in response to a need for a standardized approach to common cardiovascular medical emergencies. Medical care was becoming more complex and the pace and intensity of care was increasing all the time. It had become clear that patients in cardiac arrest, patients suffering an acute myocardial infarction or someone with a serious arrhythmia would greatly benefit from – and needed – a precise, organized plan of care if they were to survive. Advanced cardiac life support has been proven effective, over and over again.

The first ACLS guidelines were published in 1974, and revisions have been issued in 1980, 1986, 1992, 2000, 2005, and 2010. Each revision has featured changes. Some of the changes have very big, others have relatively minor, and some have reflected the availability and proven effectiveness of new drugs and technologies.

But there are some parts of ACLS that have never changed. Physicians, nurses, and other health care personnel who work in some acute care settings are required to have ACLS certification: ACLS certification is obtained by attending an ACLS certification course. Every ACLS certification course will cover the following topics.

ABCD: ACLS always starts with the basics of airway, breathing, circulation, and early defibrillation, because ACLS is an extension of basic life support (BLS). The importance of activating the emergency medical services (EMS) system is also stressed. ACSL students must have BLS certification to take an ACLS course.

Airway management: ACLS students will learn about airway management, airway devices (e.g., endotracheal tubes), and oxygen delivery devices.

Arrhythmia recognition: Arrhythmia recognition is covered extensively in an ACLS course. The ACLS student must be able to quickly recognize 20 or so arrhythmias.

Pharmacology: ACLS certification courses discuss at length emergency medications, antidotes, and medication indications, doses, and side effects.

Electrical therapy: ACLS students are taught the basics of cardiac monitoring, cardioversion, and defibrillation. The students will also be instructed on the use of pacemakers and the automated external defibrillator (AED).

IV therapy/invasive techniques: IV therapy (e.g., insertion of peripheral and central iv catheters) is discussed, and some invasive procedures (e.g., pericardiocentesis) will be covered, as well.

Algorithms: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem. The ACLS algorithms the a) start with a clinical sign/symptom, b) provide a diagnosis, and c) outline the treatment options. There are ACLS algorithms for acute stroke, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and many other emergencies.

Advanced cardiac life support certification courses have a didactic component and a practical skills component, lectures, and hands-on sessions. The courses can be taken online or in a classroom: the content offered by both is identical, but the online courses are more convenient. Certification is awarded after the student passes a written exam and a practical skills exam.

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