EMT Paramedic

A comprehensive study of skills and knowledge needed for Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic certification exams.

Patient AssessmentAirway ManagementBasic Life Support (BLS)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)Trauma ManagementPharmacology for Paramedics
Managing Medical EmergenciesPrehospital Child and Infant CareEffective Team Communication
Test-Taking Skills for EMT/Paramedic ExamsManaging Exam Stress
Patient AssessmentAirway ManagementBasic Life Support (...Advanced Cardiac Lif...Trauma ManagementPharmacology for Par...Managing Medical Eme...Prehospital Child an...Effective Team Commu...Test-Taking Skills f...Managing Exam Stress
Advanced Topics

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Overview

ACLS builds on BLS by including advanced airway techniques, cardiac monitoring, and medication administration, crucial for managing severe cardiac emergencies.

Core Components

  • Airway Management: Intubation and use of advanced airway devices.
  • ECG Interpretation: Recognizing arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole.
  • Medications: Epinephrine, amiodarone, and others to correct arrhythmias or restore circulation.
  • Team Dynamics: Coordinating with other healthcare professionals for efficient resuscitation.

Clinical Applications

ACLS is used in cardiac arrest, stroke, and life-threatening arrhythmias, often in hospital or advanced pre-hospital settings.

Key Formula

  • Drug dosing and timing are essential, e.g., Epinephrine 1 mg IV every 3–5 minutes during cardiac arrest.

Key Formula

\[Drug\ dosage\ =\ Patient\ weight\ (kg)\times\ Dose\ per\ kg\]

Examples

  • A paramedic identifies ventricular fibrillation on the monitor and delivers a shock while preparing IV medications.

  • During a code, the team leader assigns roles, manages airway, and ensures timely drug administration.

In a Nutshell

ACLS combines advanced airway, ECG interpretation, and medication to manage critical cardiac emergencies.

Key Terms

ECG
Electrocardiogram; a tracing of the heart’s electrical activity.
Epinephrine
A medication used during cardiac arrest to stimulate the heart.
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Trauma Management