The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course teaches the most current 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care and key changes in advanced cardiovascular life support

❤️ ACLS Study Guide

Summary of American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS Guidelines

⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is a summary for reference only and does not replace the required AHA ACLS Provider Manual. Providers must rely on clinical judgment and current AHA publications.

🫀 High-Quality Chest Compressions

• 🔄 Sequence: C-A-B (Circulation → Airway → Breathing)
• ⚡ Start compressions immediately
• 📏 Depth (Adult): 2–2.4 inches
• ⏱️ Rate: 100–120/min
• 🔁 Allow full chest recoil
• 🧮 Pulse check: 5–10 seconds only

Ventilation Ratios

• 🚫 No advanced airway: 30 compressions : 2 breaths
• ✅ Advanced airway: Continuous compressions + 1 breath every 6 seconds (10/min)

🚨 Emergency Care Priorities

• ⭐ High-quality CPR & early defibrillation take priority
• 💉 Airway, IV/IO access, and medications must not delay CPR or defibrillation
• 🫁 Use LMA or King airway if not proficient at intubation or airway is difficult
• ⚡ VF / Pulseless VT: 1 shock → 5 cycles of CPR, then pulse check

📈 Quantitative Waveform Capnography

• ✅ Recommended to confirm & monitor ET tube placement
• 🔍 Monitors CPR quality and effectiveness
• 📉 During CPR: ETCO₂ ≥ 10 mmHg
• 📈 ROSC / Pulse present: ETCO₂ 35–45 mmHg

💊 Medication Protocols (Key Points)

• Adenosine:
  • Stable SVT (narrow complex)
  • VT with pulse if regular & monomorphic
• Amiodarone: Preferred antiarrhythmic
  • Lidocaine remains acceptable
• Atropine:
  • Bradycardia & heart blocks only
  • Dose: 1 mg IV, max 3 mg
• Dopamine infusion:
  • Bradycardia: 5–20 mcg/kg/min
  • Post–cardiac arrest hypotension: 5–20 mcg/kg/min
• Epinephrine infusion:
  • Bradycardia unresponsive to atropine: 2–10 mcg/min
• 🔁 IV chronotropic infusions are an effective alternative to external pacing in:
  • Symptomatic bradycardia
  • Unstable bradycardia
• ❌ Medications via advanced airway: Removed

🦴 Intraosseous (IO) Access

• Preferred for drug delivery when IV access is not established

🫁 Oxygen Supplementation

• 🚫 Not routinely indicated for acute coronary syndromes
• ✅ Administer only if SpO₂ ≤ 90%

🧠 Post–Cardiac Arrest Care

Top Priorities

• 📊 Oxygenation & ventilation (SpO₂ and ETCO₂)
  • SpO₂: 90–98%
  • ETCO₂: 35–45 mmHg
• 🫀 Blood pressure:
  • SBP goal > 90–100 mmHg
  • If hypotensive: NS/LR 1 L bolus or Dopamine 5–20 mcg/kg/min
• 🩺 Reperfusion therapy:
  • PCI for STEMI / AMI
• ❄️ Targeted Temperature Management (TTM):
  • If patient remains comatose
  • Temp range: 32–37.5°C
  • Check LOC & glucose first (Glucose ≥ 80 mg/dL)

⚖️ Legal & Educational Notice

The authors make no guarantees regarding accuracy, completeness, or applicability. Suggested doses and interventions do not replace clinical judgment.

CPR 4G INC is not liable for any direct or indirect damages resulting from use of this material. Content may not reflect the most current AHA updates.

🔗 Refer to official AHA ECC Guidelines for the most current clinical guidance.