When we should use the bradycardia algorithm.

The signs & symptoms of unstable bradycardia.

Atropine's bradycardic dose and maximum.

The use of atropine when a patient is in a second degree type II or third degree heart block.

ECG changes that indicate subsequent doses of atropine are likely to be ineffective.

The starting dose of Dopamine.

The use of Dopamine for bradycardia as an interim until TCP vs hypotension.

The use of Atropine and Dopamine in patients with myocardial ischemia.

Podcasts with additional (advanced-provider level) information about bradycardia, Atropine, & Dopamine can be found on the Pass ACLS Pod Resources page.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/

Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vip

Pass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

The tongue is the most common airway obstruction in an unconscious patient.

Insertion an oropharyngeal airway helps keep the patient’s tongue from falling to the back of the pharynx, causing an airway obstruction.

The oropharyngeal airway is sometimes called an OPA or simply an oral airway.

Indications for using an oral airway.

Contraindication for an oral airway and an alternative airway that can be used for patients with an intact gag reflex.

Measuring an OPA and possible complications from inserting one that's too small or too large.

Two techniques to properly insert an OPA.

The use of an oral airway during CPR.

The use of an OPA as a bite block after a patient has an advanced airway placed.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/

Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vip

Pass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Hypoxia is a state of low oxygen levels in the blood.

Determining hypoxia using a pulse oximeter or arterial blood gasses (ABGs).

A goal of ACLS is to recognize signs of hypoxia and provide timely treatment to prevent an arrest.

Examples of some things that might lead us to think of hypoxia as a cause of cardiac arrest.

Why we should not rely on pulse ox to give accurate readings during CPR.

Delivering ventilations with near 100% oxygen concentration using a BVM attached to supplemental O2 and a reservoir.

Using end tidal waveform capnography to assess the quality of CPR.

Changes to ventilation rates, tidal volume, and O2 concentration affects a patient's oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH.

The danger of excessive ventilation of a patient in cardiac arrest.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/

Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vip

Pass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

ECG characteristics of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) vs. sinus tachycardia.

Signs & symptoms that indicate a patient is unstable.

Delivery of a synchronized shock for the treatment of unstable SVT using a biphasic vs monophasic defibrillator.

Consideration for team safety while performing synchronized cardioversion.

Actions to take immediately if an unstable patient we’ve cardioverted goes into a pulseless rhythm.

Management of stable patients in SVT.

For more free information on narrow complex tachycardias, check out the pod resource page at passacls.com.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/

Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vip

Pass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

When working to resuscitate a patient in sudden cardiac arrest, Epinephrine is the first IV medication we administer.

When we give the first dose of epinephrine depends on whether the patient is in a shockable or non-shockable rhythm.

When to give the first dose of epinephrine and its frequency for patients in asystole or PEA following the right side of the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm.

When to give the first dose of epi and its frequency for patients in V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach following the left side of the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm.

Example chronology of events for a scenario where a patient is found unresponsive with only gasping/agonal breathing.

Administration of epi via the IO or endotracheal route in the absence of an IV.

The maximum cumulative dose of epinephrine that can be administered to patients in cardiac arrest.

When do we stop administering epinephrine.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/

Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vip

Pass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

If a person suddenly develops symptoms such as weakness, slurred or garbled speech, loss of balance, or a massive & severe headache; it’s possible they could be having a stroke.

The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale.

There are several conditions that can mimic a stroke.

Identification & treatment of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Identification & treatment of hypoxia using a pulse oximeter.

Some seizures, electrolyte imbalance, sepsis, brain tumors, and Bell’s Palsy can also mimic a stroke.

Prehospital providers should transport suspected stroke patients to a stroke center following their local protocols.

Hospital providers should active their stroke team to ensure rapid assessment and treatment.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/

Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vip

Pass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Most ACLS medications are given IV push. But, what happens if we can't get an IV?

Why IO is better than ETT as an alternative route.

The locations we should place an IO when running a code and a location we should avoid.

The ACLS medications that can be given intraosseous.

Where you can find more information about intraosseous access during resuscitation efforts.

In the absence of an IV or IO, some medications may be given down the endotracheal tube.

The disadvantages of medication administration via ETT.

Review of the medications that can be given down the tube and how they should be given.

Medications should not be given down the tube when anything other than an endotracheal tube is used as an advanced airway.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/

Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vip

Pass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

The chain of survival for a cardiac emergency and stroke start the same:

1. preparedness & recognition of an emergency;

2. activation of EMS;

3. delivery of Advanced Life Support; and

4. transporting to the most appropriate facility.

ALS ambulances are staffed with paramedics who have training in ACLS skills.

Why EMS "Destination Protocols" for suspected stroke and STEMI make a difference.

ACLS’s timed benchmarks for:

• point of first medical contact to PCI for ST elevation MI;
• door to tPA for ischemic stroke; and
• onset of symptoms to EVT for LVO strokes.

Why EMS should bypass a close hospital to transport a STEMI or suspected stroke patient to a hospital capable of 24/7 PCI or a certified stroke center.

Check out the Pod Resource page at passacls.com for links to the "EMS On Air" podcast for links to episodes that look at EMS's role in stroke outcomes in the rural vs urban area.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/

Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vip

Pass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn