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What Are ACLS & PALS?

Advanced cardiac life support, ACLS, and pediatric advanced life support, PALS, are both advanced life support certifications. Both courses require the practitioner have BLS, or basic life support, certification. Workers in intensive care units, emergency units and high acuity areas of hospitals are required to have this certification. The courses are sponsored by the American Heart Association, and require re-certification every two years.

  1. Advanced Cardiac Life Support

    • ACLS courses build on basic life support. In addition to providing quality CPR, someone who has ACLS certification has the training to recognize and respond to emergencies and manage the situation until regular heart rhythm returns, or another team of professionals arrive to take over. Additional training is given to help the responder recognize symptoms of stroke, administer medications, deliver defibrillation shocks as appropriate and manage other heart disease symptoms. Training to manage respiratory emergencies and inserting an artificial airway to keep the person breathing is also part of the course.

    ACLS Algorithm

    • The ACLS training consists of learning and practicing a series of algorithms. Each one outlines how to give the best care for someone who is in respiratory or cardiac arrest. You learn steps for taking care of someone with bradycardia, a slow heart rate, and tachycardia, a fast heart rate. There are algorithms for pulse-less victims, and outlines on when to use defibrillation and when to use specific cardiac medications to help the heart resume a normal rhythm.

    Pediatric Advanced Life Support

    • This course gives health care professionals the skills to manage critically ill children and infants. It teaches how to recognize and respond to children who are in cardio-pulmonary arrest, how to manage a pediatric airway, how to deliver shocks to defibrillate children and when and how to use medications to treat these types of emergencies.

    Training and Certification

    • To receive your ACLS or PALS certificate, you must take part in a two-day workshop. You are given hands-on instruction by a trainer certified by the American Heart Association. You will also watch video re-enactments, and participate in simulated code blue situations. You will have time to practice your skills and clarify any questions you have. At the end of the workshop, you complete a written and hands-on test. After your initial certification, you can renew every two years by attending a one-day review course. Online courses are also available through the American Heart Association.

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