EMS and Transportation to the Most Appropriate Facility
The chain of survival for a cardiac emergency and stroke start the same:1. preparedness & recognition of an emergency;2. activation of EMS;3. delivery of Advanced Life Support; and4. transporting to the most appropriate facility.ALS ambulances are staffed with paramedics who have training in ACLS skills.Why EMS "Destination Protocols" for suspected stroke and STEMI make a difference.ACLS’s timed benchmarks for:point of first medical contact to PCI for ST elevation MI;door to tPA for ischemic stroke; andonset of symptoms to EVT for LVO strokes.Why EMS should bypass a close hospital to transport a STEMI or suspected stroke patient to a hospital capable of 24/7 PCI or a certified stroke center.Check out the Pod Resource page at passacls.com for links to the "EMS On Air" podcast for links to episodes that look at EMS's role in stroke outcomes in the rural vs urban area.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vipPass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn
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6:01
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Review
Performing good CPR and delivering a shock as soon as possible to a patient in Ventricular Fibrillation or pulseless V-Tach are the two most critical interventions that have been shown to increase survival from sudden cardiac arrest.Studies have demonstrated significantly better out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival outcomes in communities with robust public CPR training and public access/first responder AEDs.The general use of AED including: indications for use; attaching the AED pads; following verbal prompts; and safely administering a shock.Following the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm while using an AED.Contraindications to AED use.General safety considerations to remember.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vipPass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn
For apneic patients without a carotid pulse or patients with only gasping/agonal respirations, we will follow the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm. For pulseless patients that the AED doesn't advise a shock, the patient's ECG shows asystole, or a non-perfusing organized rhythm (PEA), we will follow the right side of the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm.Initial steps are aimed at delivery of high-quality CPR to keep the brain and vital organs alive. Epinephrine administration. Placement of an advanced airway.Considering possible reversible H & T causes of cardiac arrest including three common causes of PEA and their emergent interventions.When we should discontinue resuscitation efforts and call the code.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vipPass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn
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7:01
Songs To Help Us Deliver Good CPR
Providing good, high-quality CPR with minimal interruptions and early defibrillation are two key interventions shown to improved cardiac arrest outcomes.A training tool used in many CPR and ACLS classes is to use a song (or a song list) with a tempo of 100 to 120 beats per minute to help the person doing chest compressions maintain an adequate rate.Characteristics of songs that will help us perform good CPR.Advantages & disadvantages of using a song during CPR.Selected songs from various genres and time periods from AHA's "Don’t Drop The Beat" playlist on Spotify.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vipPass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn Don’t Drop The Beat playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2mU2FNAhSOtQwW0hBgQMaK
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4:24
Obtaining a Medical History
A patient’s medical history will help us identify things that may be causing (or contributing) to their current condition as well as guide our decisions so we provide the safest evidence-based care possible.Examples of information obtained in a medical history that will impact the treatment we provide. There are several mnemonics and memory aids that people use to guide their history taking.Review the SAMPLE-PQRST medical history format.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vipPass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn
I'm Paul from PassACLS.com and I'm here to help you pass ACLS. Like an audio flash card, this podcast is intended to aid any medical professional preparing for an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) class. Each three-to-nine minute episode covers one of the skills needed to recognize a stroke or cardiac emergency and work as a high performing team to deliver safe, quality patient care.
Listening to a tip a day for a few weeks prior to your ACLS class will help cement the core concepts that have been shown to improve outcomes in patients suffering a heart attack, cardiac arrest, or stroke. In addition to the Chain of Survival, core concepts, and ACLS algorithms; specific information needed to pass the written exam, BLS checks, and megacode following the 2020 guidelines is presented.
Healthcare providers that are already ACLS certified, but rarely participate in codes, may find listening a helpful reminder.
Disclaimer: This podcast is a supplement to your course's approved text book and videos - not a replacement. The information presented is for educational purposes only, is intended for medical professionals, and is not medical advice. Medical professionals should follow their local laws, agency protocols, and act only within their scope of practice.