Raven EMS Education Program Manual
RAV-160 Advanced Cardiac Life Support (AHA ACLS) Course

This course provides physicians, nurses, paramedics and other health care providers with information concerning advanced management of the cardiac arrest patient (NC Community Colleges, 2024).

Course Description

The AHA’s ACLS course builds on the foundation of lifesaving BLS skills, emphasizing the importance of continuous, high-quality CPR. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC). This course is for healthcare professionals who either direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies and for personnel in emergency response (AHA, 2024).

Prerequisites

Complete the ACLS Precourse Self Assessment with a minimum score of at least 70%. Bring proof of successful completion listing both your name and your score. Links:

• Test only (1 hr): https://elearning.heart.org/course/423 (course code: KJ-1480)
• Videos plus test (4 hrs): https://elearning.heart.org/course/424 (course code: KJ-1498)

Course Options

• Blended Learning Heartcode: HeartCode ACLS uses a personalized adaptive algorithm that sets students on the most efficient path to ACLS mastery. Students follow a continuously adapting learning path that is personalized by their own inputs: their performance and their self- reported confidence level related to each probe. The course content is presented in the form of self-directed learning content, probes, and Cognitive Assessment Activities. After completing the online portion, students will attend a structured, Instructor-led hands-on session that focuses on meaningful skills practice, debriefing, team dynamics training, megacode cases, discussions of local protocols and skills testing. Where available, students may also complete the hands-on session with a HeartCode compatible manikin. HeartCode ACLS is the AHA’s ACLS blended learning delivery method. Blended learning is a combination of eLearning, in which a student completes part of the course in a self-directed manner, followed by a hands-on skills session. With the new adaptive learning format, the timing for completing the online portion of HeartCode ACLS can vary depending on the student’s level of experience. The hands-on session for HeartCode ACLS will take approximately 5 – 6 hours using either Option 1 or Option 2 HeartCode Agenda.
• Classroom: The ACLS Instructor-led course teaches the importance of preventing cardiac arrest, high-performance teams, early and continuous high-quality CPR, systems of care, recognition and intervention of cardiopulmonary arrest, post-cardiac arrest care, acute dysrhythmias, stroke, and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The ACLS ILT Full Course is approximately 15 hours and 20 minutes with breaks and lunch.

Course Topics

• Basic life support skills, including effective chest compressions, use of a bag-mask device, and use of an AED
• Recognition and early management of respiratory and cardiac arrest
• Recognition and early management of peri-arrest conditions such as symptomatic bradycardia
• Airway management
• Related pharmacology
• Management of ACS and stroke
• Effective communication as a member and leader of a resuscitation team

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