INTRODUCTION

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) builds upon the foundation of Basic Life Support (BLS) and provides a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of life-threatening cardiovascular and respiratory emergencies. ACLS focuses on advanced techniques, including:

• Airway management
• Breathing support and ventilation
• Circulation management, including cardiac monitoring and rhythm interpretation
• Pharmacology (medication administration)

ACLS aims to improve patient outcomes following cardiac arrest, stroke, and other critical medical conditions.

WHAT IS ACLS?

ACLS is a systematic approach to managing cardiac arrest and other cardiopulmonary emergencies. It involves a coordinated effort by trained healthcare professionals, working as a team, to provide timely and effective interventions. Key components of ACLS include:

• Recognizing and managing pre-arrest conditions to prevent cardiac arrest
• Initiating and performing high-quality CPR
• Providing defibrillation when indicated
• Establishing and maintaining advanced airways
• Administering appropriate medications
• Implementing post-cardiac arrest care

WHY IS ACLS ESSENTIAL?

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide. ACLS training equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to:

• Recognize and respond effectively to cardiac and respiratory emergencies
• Improve patient survival rates
• Reduce long-term complications associated with cardiac arrest
• Work effectively as part of a resuscitation team

This lesson provides an overview of the ACLS course and introduces the core concepts that will be covered in more detail in subsequent lessons.