LINKS:
EKG workbooks:
- "Quick and Accurate 12-Lead ECG Interpretation, 3rd ed", Dale Davis (2001, Lippincott)
- "ECG workout, 4th Ed.",Jane Huff (2002, Lippincott)
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- ACLS
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support takes over where basic cardiac life support leaves off. It involves a
continual assessment of airway, breathing and circulation with advanced measures to improve/provide
adequacy of the aforementioned in order to sustain life. The American Heart Association provides education and
certification for ACLS.
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- Requirements
- You must have your Basic Life Support Certificaion prior to taking an ACLS course. Usually a basic
dysrhythmia course should be taken prior to taking ACLS.
- Examination
- Written examination:
The written portion of the exam consists of two tests (both multiple-choice):
- identifying dysrhythmias; and
- answering 20 questions related ACLS from medications (doses, types,uses, effects), conditions (dysrhythmia, stroke, drowning), actions or
responses to certain scenarios.
- If you are an inexperienced provider (not recertifying), the
classes are usually two days long. The first class is a dysrhythmia class where you learn how to identify different
rhythms, what causes them and how to treat them. Usually prior to the class, you are provided
with a study guide, so you can prepare for the class in advance.
- Clinical/Demonstration:
- The second class you attend (usually a week later, to give you time to study) consists of different clinical stations where you
will be presented with different dysrhythmias and have to demonstrate and verbalize your plan of action, including what medications and doses you would administer.
- Usually this class starts with a one to two hour lecture reviewing the different rhythms and their treatments.
- Then you are provided with a demonstration to show you what you should do when presented with each rhythm. At this time, you may ask any questions.
- When you feel ready to "Pass off" on the "Mega Code",let the instructor know and she will provide you with a scenario in which you must demonstrate and verbalize your plan of action.
- You must have a passing score of 80% on the written exams and demonstrate clinical skills in a "Mega-Code" station in order to become certified.
- You must recertify every two years in order to maintain certification. Recertification only requires attending one day (the second class to take the written exams and pass off on the "Mega-Code".)
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