Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is an advanced, instructor-led classroom course that highlights the importance of team management of a cardiac arrest, team dynamics and communication, systems of care and immediate post-cardiac-arrest care. Specific skills in airway management and related pharmacology are also featured. Skills are taught through discussion and group learning, while testing stations offer case-based scenarios using simulators.
Target Group
ACLS is designed for health-care professionals who either direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest and other cardiovascular emergencies. This includes personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive-care and critical-care units.
The prerequisite for ACLS is a current HSFC BLS for Healthcare Provider (C) card.
ACLS Course Content
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Key changes in advanced cardiovascular life support, reflecting the 2010 Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC)
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Basic life-support skills, including effective chest compressions, use of a bag-mask device and an automated external defibrillator (AED)
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Recognition and early management of respiratory and cardiac arrest using a manual defibrillator and equipment commonly found on a crash cart
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Recognition and early management of peri-arrest conditions such as symptomatic bradycardia
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Airway management
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Related pharmacology
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Management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and stroke
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Effective communication as a member and leader of a resuscitation team
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Effective resuscitation team dynamics
Skills are taught in large group sessions, as well as in small-group learning-and-testing stations, where case-based scenarios are presented.
Approximate course length: 16 hours
Approximate course length for renewal course: 5 to 6.5 hours
Only active healthcare providers whose training and scope of practice include a knowledge base encompassing the foundation of ACLS knowledge and skill may enroll in the ACLS course. Students must pass a written exam and skills test in order to qualify for an ACLS Course Completion Card.