Chapter 1 consists of an introduction to ACLS, otherwise known as Advanced Cardiac Life Support. The protocols listed in this lesson were developed in accordance with ILCOR guidelines. This introductory chapter provides an overview of the meaning of ACLS and what can be expected to be learned throughout the course.

Chapter 2 discusses the initial assessment. The initial assessment is used to determine the consciousness or unconsciousness of an individual. The assessment can be a quick process. This chapter provides instruction for what to do in order to assess consciousness, and the next steps after a determination has been made. 

The second lesson talks about the Basic Life Support. The general concepts of BLS are discussed. The importance of new research led to the AHA updating information on BLS.

The second lesson of chapter 3 discusses Initiating the Chain of Survival. The chain is described in detail. The segment covers both the Adult and Pediatric chain of survival in accordance with the most recent 2015 guidelines. 

Chapter 3 begins with the most recent 2020 BLS guideline changes. The ILCOR updated its ECC guidelines by strengthening some of the recommendations made in 2015. This segment provides a summary of those guideline changes.

This lesson covers one-rescuer BLS and CPR for Adults. The BLS process is covered and proper CPR steps are reviewed. The steps to administer high-quality CPR are explained one-by-one, as it pertains to a one-rescuer situation.

Two-Rescuer BLS and CPR for Adults is covered in this segment. Often there is a second person available who can act as a rescuer. The AHA places emphasis on the overwhelming availability of cell phones and how that should make it easier to make emergency calls without leaving a scene. The two rescuers work in tandem to administer care. 

This video discusses the use of a mask to deliver breaths in one-rescuer CPR. This process is broken down one step at a time. Practice using the bag is highly recommended to build more confidence.

The final segment of chapter 3 covers Adult Bag-Mask ventilation. This is the use of a bag mask to deliver breaths in two-rescuer CPR. Guidelines are provided for the actions each rescuer should take when in this situation.

Chapter 4 begins with a segment about Normal Heart Anatomy for ACLS. The heart’s four chambers are individually defined. The functions of the heart are described, from the role of the valves to the function of electrical pathways. 

The second segment of chapter 4 covers Normal Heart Physiology. This lesson expands upon what was learned in Normal Heart Anatomy. In discusses the normal electrical pathways of the heart. It is important to understand the normal electrical function of the heart, as it helps us to understand and recognize abnormal functions. 

This lesson is a review of the ACLS survey. The ACLS survey follows the ABCD pattern and its use in CPR. Each of the four components of ABCD are examined in detail. Guidelines are provided on their appropriate application in CPR situations, including when using an AED. 

Airway Management is the focus of this lesson. A brief introduction is provided for basic and advanced airway equipment. The necessity of advanced equipment is determined by the care provider and whether bag-mask ventilation is adequate. The similarities and differences between the types of airway equipment are also discussed.

Basic Airway Adjuncts are discussed in this lesson. The three basic airway adjuncts are each defined. Along with in-depth descriptions, when to use the three basic airway adjuncts is also explained. 

Basic Airway Techniques is the sixth lesson in chapter 4. This lesson discusses how to use the three basic airways. Tips on suctioning are provided as support to the explanation for the insertion and use of each separate airway. 

This lesson discusses the routes of access. There are two routes, intravenous and intraosseous. During the lesson a review is given concerning the priorities for each route of access. 

This lesson focuses on the use of Pharmacological Tools. The corresponding ACLS manual provides tables to aid in understanding the administration of these medications. The table is best suited to those already knowledgeable in the use of these medications and contains only adult doses. 

Chapter 5 introduces the Principles of Early Defibrillation. The earlier the defibrillation occurs, the higher the survival rate. The use of the defibrillator in tandem with CPR administration is explained. Timing is provided in accordance with how best to administer care.

The second lesson of chapter 5 discusses the Keys to Using an AED. Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, are likely found in public places often visited. It is an extremely useful tool and highly accessible, but proper use is of high importance. This lesson explains what one should and should not do when using an AED to ensure proper care.

The third lesson of chapter 5 continues with information about AED use. Specifically, it focuses on the criteria for applying an AED and its basic operation. Further information about when it is appropriate to use an AED is given and its operating steps are described individually.

Chapter 6 covers the systems of care. The first lesson in this chapter provides a review of what Systems of Care consists of. According to AHA guidelines, Systems of Care are a separate and important part of ACLS provider training.

This segment discusses Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. This segment discusses successful CPR, which is achieved through using the Chain of Survival. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and this remains true regarding the Chain of Survival. Therefore it is imperative for each person to strive to make sure each link is strong.

The third lesson is chapter 6 discusses Post-Cardiac Arrest Care. Integrated post-cardiac arrest care is the last link in the Adult Chain of Survival. The quality of this care is critical to ensure the best possible results for individuals who have been resuscitated. The different types of interventions are listed and explained in detail. 

This segment discusses Acute Coronary Syndrome. This video is about providing care using the STEMI Chain of Survival. For individuals with ACS, proper care begins during the call to EMS, as first responders need to be aware of and look for signs of ACS. This in-depth lesson also has accompanying figures in the ACLS manual.

Acute Stroke is the topic of discussion in this lesson. Along with acute stroke, the Stroke Chain of Survival and goals of acute stroke are emphasized. Outcomes for individuals with stroke have improved significantly due to the implementation of Acute Stroke System of Care. Systems enhancements and increased knowledge of the subject have led to this improvement in stroke care. 

This lesson reviews the makeup of a resuscitation team. The various roles and corresponding responsibilities of each team member are discussed. A team member must have a clear understanding of their respective role in order for the team to perform successfully. The ACLS manual has figures to aid in the explanation.

The final lesson of chapter 6 is Education, Implementation, Teams. This lesson teaches us about teams formed for cardiac arrest events as well as the alert criteria the team is to follow for cardiac arrest care. The administration of cardiac arrest care in hospitals is discussed at length, with the use of studies about survival rates as supporting evidence.

Chapter 7 discusses respiratory arrest. The condition is defined and some of its causes are listed. This lesson goes into detail about CPR in these situations, and the ACLS manual Figure 21 provides further information about the ACLS Survey.

The second lesson of chapter 7 focuses on Ventricular Fibrillation, otherwise known as VF. It also discusses Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia, often referred to as VT. Appropriate responses and uses of each in a hospital setting are explained.

The third lesson in chapter 7 discusses Pulseless Electrical Activity and Asystole. Specifically, this lesson explains the rules to recognizing each of these. The differences are outlined and each ECG type is defined. It is important to note the differences in rules between each. The guidelines provided in this lesson are designed to ensure proper care when using ECGs. 

The fourth lesson in Chapter 7 covers the Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm. Guidelines are provided for ensuring CPR quality. There is a list provided for what to ensure when shock energy is being used. The corresponding ACLS manual Figure 29 provides a full adult cardiac arrest algorithm. 

This lesson discusses Post-Cardiac Arrest Care. The steps vary depending on the status of the person receiving care. The use of induced hypothermia is explained. Figure 30 in the corresponding ACLS manual can be used in accompaniment to this lesson.

This is the sixth lesson in chapter 7. This lesson contains information pertaining to bradycardia, its symptoms and the types of bradycardia. Bradycardia is defined and how it should be treated is explained, according to the ACLS Survey. 

This lesson discusses Tachycardia. Tachycardia can be classified as either stable or unstable. These classifications are defined and the symptoms of tachycardia are listed. 

This lesson covers how to care for symptomatic tachycardia. This type of tachycardia refers to a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute. This in-depth lesson explains how to an assess an individual according to which symptoms are being experienced.

This video discusses sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation and irregular narrow complex tachycardia, otherwise known as A-Fib. The rules for each are provided. The corresponding ACLS manual also provides figures to aid in the understanding of adult tachycardia with pulse algorithm.

This lesson, about Acute Coronary Syndrome, covers the syndrome, its symptoms and how to care for it. ACS is a collection of clinical presentations and it’s comprising factors are listed. ACS is classically recognized by one or more of a series of symptoms, of which a list is provided. The appropriate steps for administering care are discussed.

The final lesson in chapter 7 covers Acute Stroke, its symptoms, and how care is provided. Stroke is defined as a condition in which normal blood flow to the brain is interrupted. The two variations of strokes are explained and the different ways in which care must be provided are discussed.