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ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) Simplified

🛑 Step-by-Step ACLS Algorithm

1️⃣ Recognize Cardiac Arrest

  • Check if the patient is unresponsive, not breathing, or has abnormal gasping.
  • If confirmed, immediately activate the emergency response system and get an AED/defibrillator.

2️⃣ Start High-Quality CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

  • Begin chest compressions (30:2 ratio with breaths) and provide oxygen.
  • Compress at a rate of 100-120 per minute, at least 2 inches deep.
  • Minimize interruptions and allow full chest recoil.

3️⃣ Check the Cardiac Rhythm

  • Once the AED/defibrillator is available, check if the patient has a shockable rhythm (Ventricular Fibrillation or Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia).

🔌 If Shockable (VFib/Pulseless VT):

  1. Deliver a Shock using the AED/defibrillator.
  2. Resume CPR Immediately for 2 minutes (do not pause for a pulse check).
  3. Reassess rhythm and continue shocks every 2 minutes if still shockable.
  4. Administer epinephrine 1 mg IV every 3-5 minutes and consider amiodarone if rhythm persists.

🩸 If Not Shockable (Asystole/PEA – Pulseless Electrical Activity):

  1. Do NOT shock. Continue CPR immediately.
  2. Give epinephrine (1 mg IV every 3-5 minutes).
  3. Identify and treat reversible causes (H’s & T’s):
    • H’s: Hypoxia, Hypovolemia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hypo/Hyperkalemia, Hypothermia.
    • T’s: Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade, Toxins, Thrombosis (cardiac or pulmonary).

🔄 Continue CPR & Reassess Every 2 Minutes

  • If ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation) occurs, move to post-cardiac arrest care.
  • If no ROSC, continue cycles of CPR, rhythm checks, and medications.