ACLS (Main)

See critical care quick reference for drug doses and equipment size by weight.

Background

• A series of clinical algorithms created by the AHA/ASA used in the treatment of cardiovascular/neurological emergencies.
• Involves airway management, IV access, and ECG interpretation.

ECG Analysis

• What is the atrial and ventricular rate?
• Is the rhythm regular or irregular?
  • If irregular, does it follow any repeatable pattern?
• What is the axis?
  • ERAD often seen in VT but not SVT
• What is the P wave amplitude, duration, morphology, and synchrony with QRS complex?
  • Is the P wave positive in Lead II
• What is the QRS complex amplitude, duration, morphology?
• What is the T wave amplitude, duration, morphology?
  • Is the T wave positive in Lead II
• What is the length of PR and QT intervals?
• Is there ST Elevation/Depression or Hyperacute T waves?
  • If yes, does it follow any anatomical pattern or is it diffuse?
• Is there anything else abnormal about this ECG?
  • Pacemaker Spikes
  • Hypertrophy of atrial/ventricles

Algorithms

• Adult Pulseless Arrest
  • Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia/Ventricular Fibrillation
  • Pulseless Electrical Activity/Asystole
  • Cardiac Arrest In Pregnancy
• Adult Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
• Termination of Resuscitation
• ACLS: Bradycardia (with pulse)
• ACLS: Tachycardia (with pulse)
• Acute Coronary Syndromes
• Suspected Cerebrovascular Event

See Also

• AHA ACLS Recommendation Changes by Year
• ACLS (Treatable Conditions)
• BLS (Main)
• Critical care quick reference
• Post cardiac arrest
• PALS (Main)

External Links

• 2020 AHA Guidelines
• Numose EMed: The Pulseless Patient
• Numose EMed: ACLS Bradycardia
• Numose EMed: ACLS Narrow Complex Tachycardia
• Numose EMed: ACLS Wide Complex Tachycardia