Cardiac and other medical emergencies are often treated by using ACLS algorithms.
Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is an essential element in the emergency medical treatment of life-threatening accidents and heart attacks that may happen both in and out of a hospital situation. Most medical facilities and emergency medical personnel, such as firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, nurses and doctors, require proficiency in advanced treatment of emergency heart attacks and other abnormalities. ACLS is the basis for the treatment of these emergencies and involves the knowledge and skills to manage many situations including heart attacks, severe breathing problems, accidental blood loss, strokes, drowning and electrical shocks.
Instructions
1. The American Heart Association provider manual is an indepth textbook for medical emergencies.
Obtain the American Heart Association ACLS provider manual. This textbook can be purchased from bookstores or ordered online. Many medical facilities have current copies of this textbook available to lend to their personnel. Check with your supervisor for availability and the rules for checking out the manual. Some certification courses will include the textbook and other materials with your paid fee for taking the course.
2. Study the textbook in depth. Your provider manual will outline in detail the steps needed for successful treatment of acute medical emergencies.
3. Emergency personnel must know the correct steps in treatment of medical emergencies.
Memorize the algorithms (exact steps) of treatment for each medical emergency. Following the steps of treatment in order is essential to successful resuscitation.
4. Ask your instructors questions during the course exam preparation lectures. Your instructors are there to help you learn in a timely fashion. Help with confusing items is always available from your instructor or explained in depth in your textbook.
5. The ACLS test emphasizes heart tracings.
Spend extra time studying the electrocardiogram tracings outlined in your provider manual. Test questions emphasize the identification and proper treatment of abnormal heart tracings. Flash cards may be useful study tools as well.
Tags: medical emergencies, provider manual, emergency medical, heart attacks, steps treatment