Knowledge Base
At ACLS Medical Training, we know there is a lot more that goes into life support education than just what is included in the study guides. That’s why we have created a broad Knowledge Base to help you become well rounded in your life support continuing education. While everything you need to know for the BLS, ALCS, and PALS certification exams are included in the provider manuals, the Knowledge Base provides a broader range of content.
Rhythm Recognition
ACLS and PALS require that providers be able to recognize a number of basic cardiac rhythms from normal sinus rhythm to ventricular fibrillation. This module describes 13 of the most commonly encountered ECG tracings.
ACLS Guideline Changes
Seasoned ACLS providers will be interested in this table of updated ECC recommendations and guidelines. The ACLS Guideline Changes lists the major updates in emergency cardiovascular care.
BLS and ACLS Surveys
All adult life-support interventions start with the BLS and ACLS surveys. This module contains the basic approach to all patients with life-threatening cardiopulmonary conditions.
H’s and T’s
While most algorithms contain a flowchart that provides interventions, definitive treatment often requires the provider to identify and treat the causative factor for the cardiopulmonary compromise. Fortunately, many of these causes can be remembered by a simple mnemonic.
Quantitative Waveform Capnography
Guidelines now recommend the use of quantitative waveform capnography in resuscitations when available. This learning module provides an overview of this technology and how it can be used in life-support scenarios.
Respiratory Arrest
Most ACLS algorithms presume that the heart is affected in some way. But what happens if you encounter a patient who has a strong pulse, but is not breathing? This module covers how to identify and manage respiratory arrest.
In Depth: Wide Complex Tachycardia
Wide complex tachycardia is one of the most complicated ECG tracings to interpret and one of the more difficult conditions to manage in an emergent situation. We present a detailed overview of wide complex tachycardia, from differential diagnosis and management.
In Depth: Narrow Complex Tachycardia
Did you know that there were at least 11 narrow complex tachycardias? This module describes the approach to narrow complex tachycardia and groups diagnoses into more easily managed management pathways.
ECGs in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Studies have shown that the earlier you can intervene in acute myocardial infarction the better the outcome is for patients. However, one of the key steps in acute myocardial infarction management is identifying the MI on ECG. This module covers the basics of acute myocardial infarction diagnosis with a focus on ECG.
The Basics of ECG
ECG interpretation takes a day to learn, but a lifetime to master. We provide the basic tools to interpret ECGs to get you started on your lifetime of learning.
Atrial Fibrillation
This module covers the approach to the patient with acute atrial fibrillation including symptoms, ECG diagnosis, and management strategies. Learn what to do when you encounter patient with the dreaded “irregularly irregular” pulse.
Commonly Used Medications in ACLS
In most adult life-support situations, time is limited and precious. Providers must know the most commonly used ACLS medications including doses and routes of administration so they can be prepared when the time comes.
Commonly Used Medications in PALS
As with other pediatric medications, the child’s weight is an important factor in selecting the proper dosage. Likewise, an important part of PALS training is to know the medications, how much to give, and by what route. This module covers the drugs and dosages you will need to know to provide PALS.
Normal Values in Children
Is it tachycardia, bradycardia, or normal sinus rhythm? In pediatric patients, it depends on the child’s age. This module provides a table of normal blood pressure, heart rate, and other key values in neonates, infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents.
A Review of Airways
Establishing a patent, functional airway is one of the core interventions in every life-support discipline. This learning module provides an overview of basic and advanced airways used in adult and pediatric patients.
Fibrinolytic Checklist
Fibrinolytic agents, a.k.a. clot busters, can save heart tissue, brain tissue, and lives. However, they also have the potential to cause a number of serious and even life-threatening adverse events. Taking the time to properly screen patients using the fibrinolytic checklist can potentially save lives.
NIH Stroke Scale
By now most people know the most common symptoms of stroke, but for clinical and research purposes is often necessary to acquire a detailed assessment of stroke symptoms. This learning module reviews the NIH stroke scale, its scoring, and its potential uses.
Crash Carts
The crash cart is the commonly used term to describe a self-contained, mobile unit that contains virtually all of the materials, drugs, and devices necessary to perform a code.
The ACLS Medical Training Knowledge Base not only provides a refresher in the basics of ECG, but pushes a little deeper into specific ECG review like acute myocardial infarction and tachycardias. We also review some of the newer technologies that are emerging in cardiovascular life support such as quantitative waveform capnography. Need to administer the NIH stroke scale with a fibrinolytic checklist? Can’t remember normal blood pressure and heart rate values in pediatric patients? The Knowledge Base has these resources as well. We also provide a quick reference for the latest emergency cardiovascular care guidelines and standards as published by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR).
