ACLS Update - January 2023
Physicians and other healthcare professionals need to have current skills in ACLS to be able to respond to cardiovascular emergencies. This course is designed to go beyond basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation to include advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) techniques. ACLS teaches learners how to improve patient outcomes by sustaining life and making efforts to keep a patient’s neurological function intact during cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack. With ACLS, healthcare professionals can optimize resuscitation efforts, and ultimately, improve their chances of saving a patient’s life. The course is designed to change learner competence and performance. The course will follow AHA guidelines and coursework with review and simulation of clinical algorithms for the treatment of life-threatening cardiovascular conditions.
Learning Objectives
Following this CME activity, participants will be able to:
- Perform BLS skills as they pertain to the complete management of a cardiac arrest patient, including the use of AED and the ResQPod
- Describe and demonstrate the use of adjuncts for providing an effective airway and adequate oxygenation in the cardiac arrest situation, including waveform capnography
- Identify recommended pharmacologic and/or therapeutic modalities for the following dysrhythmias: AV blocks- first degree, second degree (Type I and II), third degree; and symptomatic bradycardias and tachycardias
- Demonstrate the ability to recognize a patient in VF/Pulseless VT/PEA/Asystole cardiac arrest and successfully manage the first 10 minutes of the arrest according to the American Heart Association ACLS algorithms, including the use of automated active compression/decompression CPR (ACD)
- Recognize Targeted Temperature Management as an essential post-cardiac arrest treatment and discuss the procedure used for the resuscitated, unconscious patient
- Discuss the current treatment plans for patients experiencing STEMI and Stroke
Presenter and Planning Committee:
Joe Jorgensen, Paramedic, ACLS Instructor
Brittany Smith, RN, ACLS Instructor
Brian Pollmann, DO, Planning Committee and ACLS Instructor
Teri Smith, RN, Planning Committee
Disclosure: The above presenter and members of the planning committee have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
HealthPartners is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
HealthPartners Office of Continuing Medical Education, designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This program is designed to meet the Minnesota Board of Nursing requirements. It is the responsibility of each participant to determine if the program meets the criteria for licensure or recertification for their discipline.
Available Credit
- 6.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 6.50 AttendanceThis program is designed to meet the Minnesota Board of Nursing’s requirements. It is the responsibility of each nurse to determine if the program meets the criteria for licensure or recertification in their discipline.