ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider Handbook - Version 2026.01

Sep 23, 2026

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) provider handbook outlining evidence-based, memory-friendly response protocols for individuals experiencing life-threatening events. The content describes how ACLS algorithms are developed, references ILCOR curriculum and guideline updates (including the shift to online recommendations), and emphasizes that healthcare providers must use clinical judgment when selecting diagnostics and therapies for specific patients. It also covers core priorities such as rapid, accurate assessment, continuous reassessment during treatment, and readiness for Basic Life Support proficiency.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages103

Reading Time4 h 20 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction to ACLS

The Initial Assessment

Basic Life Support

Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Principles of Early Defibrillation

Systems of Care

ACLS Cases

ACLS Essentials

ACLS Review Questions

ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider Handbook By Dr. Karl Disque ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider Handbook By Dr. Karl Disque 1 ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support Copyright © 2026 Satori Continuum Publishing All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication can be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior consent of the publisher. 326 E Ave PMB 4022, Jeffersonville, IN, 47130, USA Printed in the United States of America Educational Service Disclaimer This Provider Handbook is an educational service provided by Satori Continuum Publishing. Use of this service is governed by the terms and conditions provided below. Please read the statements below carefully before accessing or using the service. By accessing or using this service, you agree to be bound by all of the terms and conditions herein. The material contained in this Provider Handbook does not contain standards that are intended tobe applied rigidly and explicitly followed in all cases. A health care professional’s judgment must remain central to the selection of diagnostic tests and therapy options of a specific patient’s medical condition. Ultimately, all liability associated with the utilization of any of the information presented here rests solely and completely with the health care provider utilizing the service. Version 2026.01 2 ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support TABLE of CONTENTS Chapter1 Introduction to ACLS ....... 5 2 The Initial Assessment ....... 6 3 Basic Life Support ....... 7 Initiating the Chain of Survival – 7 2025 BLS Guideline Changes – 8 BLS for Adults – 9 One-Rescuer Adult BLS/CPR Two-Rescuer Adult BLS/CPR Adult Mouth-to-Mask Ventilation Adult Bag-Mask Ventilation in Two-Rescuer CPR BLS for Children/Infants – 15 One-Rescuer Child BLS/CPR One-Rescuer Infant BLS/CPR Child/Infant Mouth-to-Mask Ventilation Child/Infant Bag-Valve-Mask Ventilation in Two-Rescuer CPR Self-Assessment for BLS – 20 4 Advanced Cardiac Life Support ....... 22 Normal Heart Anatomy and Physiology – 22 ACLS Rhythms and Interpretation – 23 The ACLS Survey (ABCD)– 32 Airway Management – 33 Basic Airway Adjuncts Basic Airway Technique Advanced Airway Adjuncts Routes of Access – 37 Intravenous Route Intraosseous Route Pharmacological Tools – 38 Self-Assessment for ACLS – 39 5 Principles of Early Defibrillation ....... 40 Keys to Using an Automated External Defibrillator – 41 Criteria to Apply AED Basic AED Operation 3 ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support TABLE of CONTENTS Chapter 6 7 8 9 10 Systems of Care . . . . . . . 43 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – 44 Initiating the Chain of Survival Post-Cardiac Arrest Care – 45 Temperature Control Optimization of Hemodynamics and Ventilation Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Neurologic Care Acute Coronary Syndrome – 46 Goals of ACS Treatment Acute Stroke – 47 Goals of Acute Ischemic Stroke Care The Resuscitation Team – 47 Education, Implementation, Teams – 50 Self-Assessment for Systems of Care – 51 ACLS Cases ....... 52 Respiratory Arrest – 52 Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation – 56 Pulseless Electrical Activity and Asystole – 58 Post-Cardiac Arrest Care – 64 Blood Pressure Support and Vasopressors Hypothermia Airway Management Symptomatic Bradycardia – 69 Tachycardia – 76 Symptomatic Tachycardia Stable and Unstable Tachycardia Acute Coronary Syndrome – 82 Acute Stroke – 86 Self-Assessment for ACLS Cases – 92 ACLS Essentials ....... 95 Additional Tools ....... 96 MediCode – 96 CertAlert+ – 96 ACLS Review Questions ....... 97 4 ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support CHAPTER INTRODUCTION TO ACLS 1 The goal of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is to achieve the best po

FAQs

What is the primary goal of ACLS?

ACLS aims to achieve the best possible outcome for individuals experiencing a life-threatening event through evidence-based responses.

How are ACLS protocols developed and updated?

Protocols are developed through research, patient case studies, clinical studies, and expert opinions. The handbook references ILCOR updates and notes that future updates are maintained online rather than on a five-year cycle.

What is emphasized about provider responsibilities during ACLS care?

Healthcare providers should supplement handbook materials with current ILCOR guidance and rely on rapid, accurate assessment plus continuous reassessment, while keeping clinical judgment central to patient care decisions.

Sep 23, 2026

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