ACLS Introduction
The Initial Assessment
ACLS Basic Life Support
- ACLS BLS for Adults
- Initiating the Chain of Survival
- 2020 BLS Guideline Changes
- One Rescuer Adult BLS CPR
- Two Rescuer Adult BLS CPR
- Adult Mouth-to-Mask and Bag-Mask Ventilation
- Adult Basic Life Support (BLS) Algorithm
- BLS for Children/Infants
- CPR Steps for Children
- One-Rescuer BLS/CPR for Infant (newborn to age 12 months)
- CPR Steps for Infants
- Child/Infant Mouth-to-Mouth Ventilation
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Principles of Early Defibrillation
Systems of Care
ACLS Cases
- ACLS Cases Respiratory Arrest
- Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation
- Pulseless Electrical Activity Asystole
- Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm
- Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
- Adult Immediate Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Algorithm
- Symptomatic Bradycardia
- Adult Bradycardia with Pulse Algorithm
- Tachycardia
- Stable And Unstable Tachycardia
- Adult Tachycardia With Pulse Algorithm
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Acute Coronary Syndrome Algorithm
- Acute Stroke
- Acute Stroke Algorithm
ACLS Essentials
ACLS Skills Training
ACLS Exam
Two Rescuer Adult BLS CPR
Many times there will be a second person available that can act as a rescuer. The ILCOR emphasizes that cell phones are available everywhere now and most have a built-in speakerphone. Direct the second rescuer to call 911/EMS without leaving the person while you begin CPR. This second rescuer can also find an AED while you stay with the person. When the second rescuer returns, the CPR tasks can be shared:
- The second rescuer prepares the AED for use.
- You begin chest compressions and count the compressions out loud.
- The second rescuer applies the AED pads.
- The second rescuer opens the person’s airway and gives rescue breaths.
- Switch roles after every five cycles of compressions and breaths. One cycle consists of 30 compressions and two breaths for adults.
- Be sure that between each compression you completely stop pressing on the chest and allow the chest wall to return to its natural position. Leaning or resting on the chest between compressions can keep the heart from refilling in between each compression and make CPR less effective. Rescuers who become tired may tend to lean on the chest more during compressions; switching roles helps rescuers perform high-quality compressions.
- Quickly switch between roles to minimize interruptions in delivering chest compressions.
- When the AED is connected, minimize interruptions of CPR by switching rescuers while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm. If a shock is indicated, minimize interruptions in CPR by resuming CPR as soon as possible beginning with chest compressions.