ACLS

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

New edition! 2015 GUIDELINESACLS builds on the foundation of lifesaving basic life support (BLS) skills, emphasizing the importance of continuous, high-quality CPR. This advanced course highlights the importance of high-performance team dynamics and communication, systems of care, recognition and intervention of cardiopulmonary arrest, immediate post-cardiac arrest, acute dysrhythmia, stroke, and acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

After successfully completing the ACLS course, students should be able to:

  • apply the BLS, Primary, and Secondary Assessments sequence for a systematic evaluation of adult patients
  • perform prompt, high-quality BLS, including prioritizing early chest compressions and integrating early automated external defibrillator (AED) use
  • recognize and perform early management of respiratory arrest
  • discuss early recognition and management of ACS and stroke, including appropriate disposition
  • recognize and perform early management of bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias that may result in cardiac arrest or complicate resuscitation outcome
  • recognize and perform early management of cardiac arrest until termination of resuscitation or transfer of care, including immediate post-cardiac-arrest care
  • model effective communication as a member or leader of a high-performance team
  • evaluate resuscitative efforts during a cardiac arrest through continuous assessment of CPR quality, monitoring the patient’s physiologic response, and delivering real-time feedback to the team
  • recognize the impact of team dynamics on overall team performance
  • discuss how the use of a rapid response team or medical emergency team may improve patient outcomes
  • define systems of care.

ACLS training is intended for healthcare professionals
who either direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies, including:

  • physicians
  • nurses
  • paramedics
  • staff in intensive care units and emergency or critical care departments
  • other professionals who need an ACLS course completion card for job or other requirements

Before taking the ACLS course, students must pass the online ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment with a score of 70% or higher. This test is part of the ACLS student Web site (access granted with purchase of the ACLS Provider Manual). For successful course completion, students must:

  • demonstrate skills competency in all learning stations
  • pass the high-quality BLS skills test
  • pass the bag-mask ventilation with OPA/NPA insertion skills test
  • pass the the Megacode test
  • pass the ACLS exam with a score of 84% or higher.

Choose from classroom-based and blended-learning formats to expand your reach!

American Heart Association offers the ACLS course in either a classroom-based or a blended-learning format, which gives you a complete, flexible training solution.

Classroom-based training is entirely Instructor-led. Students complete the entire course in one video-based classroom session with an Instructor, which covers course content, skills practice, and testing.

  • Hands-on instruction with an American Heart Association Instructor allows students to practice skills and ask questions throughout the course.
  • Students complete their training in a single convenient session.
  • Ideal for students with limited access to technology.
  • Students keep their provider manual for ongoing future reference.

Blended learning combines self-paced online training with an Instructor-led classroom session. Students first learn the course content online using HeartCode ACLS. After passing the included online exam, they attend an Instructor-led, video-based classroom portion focused on skills practice, debriefing, and skills testing.

  • The online portion allows students to complete exercises and learn at their own pace.
  • The classroom portion allows time for practice and discussion.
  • Students have access to HeartCode ACLS for 24 months after activation, allowing them to revisit simulations and videos after they complete the course.