The
content in this handbook is in compliance with the latest 2020
guidelines recently released by the American Heart Association (AHA). All
the protocols illustrated here are based on up-to-date evidence. These
guidelines are updated every 5 years. This handbook is designed for all
medical professionals who undergo ACLS training. It aims to establish a
sound understanding of the principles of ACLS, and the latest
guidelines.
Cardiac arrest remains one of the
most common causes of death, both in and out-of-hospital settings. Each
day, many lives are saved because of the application of the principles
of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). ACLS represents a series of
memorized steps which, when performed in sequence, can greatly improve
survival rates of patients who have respiratory and/or cardiac arrest.
While
Basic Life Support (BLS) can be studied and performed by all lay
people, anybody who works in the medical field is encouraged to become
certified in ACLS. ACLS training allows medical personnel to react to
emergencies in a reflexive, quick, and coordinated manner. BLS does not
require the use of advanced equipment or medication. In contrast, ACLS
may require experience in the use of certain equipment and medication,
and will require some basic medical skills. This does not mean that ACLS
can only be provided within the hospital environment. When properly
trained, ACLS providers may combine their skills with available
equipment to provide life support at the site of arrest.