Types of Rhythms Where Pacing Is Indicated
• Bradycardias that are unresponsive to drug therapy or are symptomatic
• 2nd degree heart block type II
• 3rd degree heart block

Clinical Note:
Atropine may be given to 2nd degree type II heart block or a narrow complex 3rd degree heart block as a trial but, when detected, the American Heart Association ACLS guidelines recommend that these dysrhythmias be managed by immediate application of the transcutaneous pacer and close observation of the patient for any signs of hemodynamic instability, e.g., shortness of breath – hypotension – altered level of consciousness – chest pain – pallor – nausea & vomiting – profuse sweating. If unstable and in 2nd degree heart block type II or 3rd degree heart block, then the pacer should be used to correct the rate only until transvenous pacing can be accomplished by a qualified person.

Remember from earlier in the reading that if a patient is bradycardic and hemodynamically unstable, as described in the previous paragraph, then transcutaneous pacing should be considered as a first line treatment.
Setting a transcutaneous pacemaker will be discussed in the electrical therapy station on day 1 of ACLS

Three Basic Rhythms
There are 3 categories of abnormal rhythms: too fast, too slow or none. Patients with any dysrhythmia may be stable, unstable or in cardiac arrest. Recognizing which type of patient you have will decide your treatment choices: medicine, electrical, and/or mechanical (BLS).

Too Fast
The first rhythm is too fast. Our goal is to slow it down. We have two methods to slow down a rhythm: electrical therapy and/or medicine. If the patient is hemodynamically stable, pharmacology should be the first line treatment. If our patient were hemodynamically unstable, synchronized cardioversion should be the first line treatment.

Too Slow
The second rhythm is too slow. Our goal is to speed it up. We have two methods of speeding up a rhythm: electrical therapy and/or medicine. If the patient is hemodynamically stable, pharmacology should be the first line treatment. If our patient were hemodynamically unstable, transcutaneous pacing should be the first line treatment.

None
Ventricular fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia, pulseless electrical activity and asystole are the dysrhythmias associated with cardiac arrest. As these are lethal dysrhythmias, management must be quick and aggressive.

Who Should Attend
The participant in this course is a healthcare provider based in a practice setting that requires ACLS knowledge and skills as a condition of employment. The 1-Day option is targeted to those experienced ACLS providers who routinely use ACLS in their practice setting as a part of their job duties. The 2-Day option is for all other providers.

Prerequisites
The choice of enrollment option is determined by proficiency in the subject matter. The participant is required to self assess their knowledge and skills at time of registration according to the criteria defined below.

• Performing BLS CPR skills using the most recent American Heart Association Guidelines
• Reading and interpreting ECGs
• Understanding ACLS drugs and treatment algorithms
• Performing the BLS Primary Survey and the ACLS Secondary Survey

Providers enrolling in the 1-Day option are required to be proficient in the criteria listed above.
Providers enrolling in the 2-Day option are expected to have a basic understanding of the criteria listed above.

Some of the Objectives Include
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Recognize and initiate early management of peri-arrest conditions that may result in
cardiac arrest or complicate resuscitation outcome.
• Demonstrate proficiency in providing BLS care, including prioritizing chest compressions and
integrating AED use.
• Manage cardiac arrest until return of spontaneous circulation, transfer of care or termination of resuscitation
• Identify and treat ischemic chest pain and expedite the care of patients with acute coronary syndromes
• Recognize other life-threatening clinical situations, such as stroke, and provide effective initial care and transfer to reduce disability and death.
• Demonstrate effective communication as a member or leader of a resuscitation team and recognize the impact of team dynamics on overall team performance.

2-Day Option
The course fee for the 2-Day option is $200 for 9.2 contact hours and includes the Nursing Unlimited Homestudy Guide and ACLS Provider Manual from Nursing Unlimited’s Library (which is to be returned at the end of class, or may be purchased for $30).

1-Day Option
The fee for the 1-Day option is $140 for 6.9 contact hours and includes the Nursing Unlimited Homestudy Guide and ACLS Provider Manual from Nursing Unlimited’s Library (which is to be returned at the end of class, or may be purchased for $30).

If you are not practicing ACLS as a regular part of your professional role in your healthcare facility, it is recommended that you carefully read the pre-requisites to choose the correct course option.
Please remember to include $5.00 for shipping and handling.

If you do not feel comfortable reading and interpreting ECGs, understanding ACLS drugs or treatment algorithms please refer to our ACLS Preparation course CLICK HERE.

A current BLS for Healthcare Providers card is no longer a prerequisite for entry into the ACLS program; the AHA requires “BLS SKILLS”.  However, if your BLS card has expired or is about to expire and you wish to renew, we still offer BLS certification within the ACLS course for a discounted price of $25.

Register Online for 2-Day ACLS Class

Register Online for 1-Day ACLS Class

LIST OF CLASSES:

Training for Lay Rescuers

Heartsaver CPR

Heartsaver First Aid

Heartsaver AED

Training for Healthcare Providers

BLS for Healthcare Providers – Initial Provider Course

BLS for Healthcare Providers – Renewal Course

BLS for Healthcare Providers – Online Renewal Course

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Course

Pediatric Advanced Life Support Course

Instructor Classes

AHA Instructor Core

BLS Instructor Class

ACLS Instructor Class

PALS Instructor Class