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Your training is what will equip you to react right when seconds matter. Advanced Medical Certification AMC is proudly offering ACLS certification and recertification for you as a busy medical professional to gain important life-saving training.

Answering the Question: What is ACLS?

What is ACLS certification? ACLS, which stands for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, is a set of procedures and proven techniques to treat specific, serious medical conditions, like trauma, stroke, shock and cardiac arrest. The end goal of this training is for you, as a medical professional, to be able to effectively stabilize your patient’s dire condition and ultimately restore alertness and vital signs.

ACLS standards are created using evidence-based data that you can commit to memory through your training and then put into practice. This allows you to easily recall these vital skills during moments of intense stress during emergency patient care. ACLS was created initially in 1974 as a way to effectively respond to specific medical emergencies and, in essence, equip you to save lives.

ACLS Certification Teaches Many Actions

After ACLS certification, you will be able to insert an intravenous IV or intraosseous IO line to administer medications and/or fluids, as well as be able to place advanced airways. You will also have a high level of knowledge pertaining to the medications that are used to treat various heart conditions. ACLS skills and essentials are applicable and necessary to provide the best possible treatment for patients in life-threatening conditions involving cardiac-related incidents.

The Importance of ACLS Certification

When you face a situation where your patient is experiencing a medical situation that requires ACLS intervention, it is immensely important that you have the necessary training for a variety of reasons. Proper ACLS implementation will increase a patient’s outcome by ensuring that their neurological function remains intact throughout the cardiovascular event. This sustains life and increases the chances of positive outcomes. The following are some additional reasons why ACLS certification is so important:

Improves Patient Outcome: When you employ ACLS expertly to save your patient’s life, your quick and effective response potentially minimizes complications and potentially saves lives. In fact, ACLS training (along with additional BLS training) in blue team members, has been proven to significantly improve patient survival and overall discharge rates, according to studies featured in the National Library of Medicine.
Professional Competence: ACLS certification provides you with the lifesaving skills you need to perform competently when faced with a critical cardiac situation. Once you handle such a situation successfully, you will note a boost in confidence, allowing you to stand tall alongside your colleagues and treat your patients with confidence.
Standardized Care: There are standards within the medical industry for a reason: they have been proven effective. Therefore, since ACLS follows standardized protocols, you will know you are delivering the right type of care to your patient in distress, facilitating the best outcome.
Career Advancement: Many healthcare facilities and hospitals require ACLS certification in specific positions. Therefore, for the sake of your career advancement, there are many cases in which you need to obtain your ACLS certification in order to continue expanding your patient care role.

Framework of Protocols For Emergency Patient Care

The ACLS framework is built on protocols formed by clinical studies, patient case studies, opinions of experts in the field, and thorough research. This ACLS response has been set by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). In previous years, the ILCOR released updates to these guidelines once every five years based on their Emergency Cardiovascular Care ECC and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR.

After 2020, the updates will no longer come in five-year increments but will be maintained consistently and based on up-to-date recommendations. This commitment to consistent updates makes certification and recertification pertaining to ACLS practices much more important and vital to practicing within the medical arena. Therefore, keeping your ACLS certification up-to-date is now more important than ever.

In Classroom Training Vs Online ACLS Certification

When it comes to ACLS certification, there are two main options to obtain these qualifications, those being in classroom training or online learning. At AMC, we offer online training programs that appeal to you as a busy medical professional to get the training you need to make a difference in the medical field. AMC has certified thousands of healthcare providers through its various programs and boasts a 98% national acceptance rate throughout the United States.

Online training offers a measure of flexibility that allows you to work as you go through these courses. It is the same high-quality education, though, as those offered in a more traditional classroom setting. These certifications are based on ILCOR’s standards and guidelines, ensuring accurate training that is accepted by most employers. If your employer does not accept AMC’s ACLS certification, then you can get a refund on their course and certification cost.

Learning How to Implement an ACLS Algorithm

Your ACLS certification course through AMC will cover a wide range of skills necessary to save your patients’ lives. Part of this course is mastering ACLS algorithms, which help you treat those facing cardiac arrest. There is a great need for you to train in these standards of care because cardia arrests are an ever-growing problem. In fact, according to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, there were around 356,000 cardiac arrests throughout the United States in 2022. This number showcases the vital need to understand and perfect ACLS algorithms, such as recognizing stroke, heart attack, and acute coronary symptoms and being able to take vital next steps.

Additional Certifications like BLS and PALS

AMC offers additions to ACLS certification, including BLS and PALS certification. BLS stands for Basic Life Support. It is a level of medical care that is used for patients who are facing injuries or life-threatening conditions. It, too, follows the ILCOR’s guidelines for recognizing and treating life-threatening emergencies like CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator or AED.

PALS, which stands for Pediatric Advanced Life Support, includes basic life support created to manage critically ill children and infants. It is often a good idea when you could be called on to treat a child, such as working as a pediatric care provider, EMT, a critical care professional, ER personnel, or other type of emergency responder.

How BLS and ACLS Certification Differ

There is a great deal of difference between BLS certification and ACLS certification. BLS focuses on basic life-saving techniques, which include common practices like AEO and CPR. ACLS goes deeper and explores more complex and advanced forms of cardiovascular life support. This includes training in advanced airway management, complex resuscitation algorithms, and attention to pharmacology detail. Generally, BLS is aimed at a wider audience in terms of those who might take such a course. BLS can even be applicable to laypersons, while ACLS is specifically designed for you as a medical professional. The following are a few more applicable ways that these two certifications differ, though BLS certification can also be obtained through AMC:

Training Focus: ACLS focuses on advanced life support training techniques including complex resuscitation algorithms, advanced airway management, and medication management in an emergency situation. On the other hand, BLS focuses on basic life-saving strategies, as outlined above, including AED use, CPR, and choking management.
Target Audience: ACLS is designed for you as a medical professional who will be put in life-saving situations regularly. BLS is also applicable to you but can also appeal to laypersons who want to know basic life-saving actions.
Course-Requirements: ACLS certification often requires a BLS certification as well to qualify or as part of ACLS certification. However, BLS certification typically has no prerequisites for entrance.

Your ACLS Certification Exam

The ACLS Certification Exam requires a passing score of 80% and this exam encompasses 50 exam questions. You must pass this to get your certification. Don’t worry if you have to go at a slower pace, as you can save your exam and finish at your convenience. After successfully passing, you can access your digital card instantly or request a certificate or a printed card.

Thankfully, even if you don’t pass the exam initially, you can take the test again as many times as needed to pass. This means there is no need for you to fear not passing as you have numerous chances. Take advantage of the additional resources through AMC to find success. You can also try taking the ACLS certification practice test to see if you are ready.

Tips to Pass Your ACLS Certification

You want to perfect your skills and ensure that you are ready to go back into an emergency situation and do your job to perfection. The first step of this is studying to pass this all-important exam. Thankfully, there are many helpful tips that you can use to increase your chances of success through taking your AMC course. This includes the following easy-to-follow tips:

Study the Algorithms: As mentioned above, learning the ACLS algorithms is a vital part of mastering your ACLS training.

Create Graphs and Flowcharts: AMC offers handbooks to help you study, but you can also create your own flowcharts, graphs, or notecards to learn hard-to-remember information.
Carefully Study ACLS Drugs: As you will learn, medications can make a immense difference when trying to save a life. Part of getting your ACLS certification involves memorizing these drugs, what they do, and any potential side effects to look out for when administering them.

Utilize Review Tools: Take advantage of online review tools or practice tests through AMC to study for your exam before taking it.
Study Daily: Although you are likely busy and trying hard to take in a great deal of new information, it’s important to study regularly, ideally on a daily basis, in order to commit your new training to memory.

Advance Your Skills with AMC’s ACLS Certification

Ready to enhance your medical expertise and save lives? Enroll in AMC’s ACLS Certification course today and ensure you’re fully equipped with the life-saving skills needed in critical moments. Our flexible online training allows you to learn at your own pace, providing you with the tools and confidence to perform with excellence in any emergency situation. Don’t wait – advance your career and make a difference now.

FAQS About ACLS Certification Through AMC

In addition to answering the all-important question of what is ACLS, this informative FAQ section will go over all sorts of common questions pertaining to AMC’s ACLS certification course:

What About ACLS Recertification?

ACLS certification is necessary to work in a variety of medical environments. However, getting this certification once doesn’t mean you are certified for life. In reality, due to the ever-changing nature of the medical profession, having such a certification that never expires would not be a good idea anyway. Your ACLS certification at AMC is valid for two years.

After that time, you can get recertified in ACLS, ensuring they are up-to-date with any new procedures and building on the training you already have in place. This is immensely important in the ever-evolving medical field that is always changing with the introduction of innovative technologies and life-saving methods. Of course, AMC does offer ACLS for Life, which is another option for certification that might be advantageous for you.

What is ACLS For Life?

AMC offers a unique option for you if you plan to remain in the medical field for life, called ACLS for Life certification. This doesn’t mean that you don’t have to retest after two years to get your updated certification. This is still necessary. However, the difference is that you only have to pay once. This increased amount you pay with the Life version means you can retest and receive your digital card of certification every two years for life!

How Many Medical Professionals Have Used AMC?

At the time of publishing, there were over 220,000 medical professionals who have been certified through AMA. There is a full money-back guarantee and your AMC’s ACLS certification is accepted nationwide. You can also get up to eight AMA category 1 credits as part of this course.

Why Choose AMC For Your ACLS Certification or Recertification?

At AMC, we offer a money-back guarantee if a company does not accept the AMC ACLS certification (though this is unlikely to happen). This comprehensive course allows you to complete your ACLS certification and choose adds-on’s to this certification like BLS and PALS certification.

You can also choose the ACLS for life as outlined above if you plan to remain in the medical profession for the duration of your career. This can save you a great deal of money over time and keep you certified every two years throughout your career.

About Greta

Greta is a dedicated life saver and a distinguished expert in the field of medical content creation and editing. Her impressive array of certifications in ACLS, CPR, PALS, and BLS underscores her commitment to excellence in the medical field. With over four years of invaluable experience in medical education, Greta plays an indispensable role within the Advanced Medical Certification team, shaping the way healthcare professionals around the world acquire and apply vital knowledge.

Greta's profound expertise serves as the driving force behind the development and distribution of medical content that has significantly enhanced the capabilities of countless healthcare practitioners across the globe.

In addition to her medical qualifications, Greta holds a prestigious academic distinction in Marketing and Global Business from Vilnius University. Her academic journey has been enriched by immersive studies in Slovakia and Portugal during her time as an exchange student, providing her with a global perspective that complements her medical expertise.

Beyond her professional commitments, Greta possesses a genuine passion for global exploration, with a particular focus on immersing herself in diverse cultures and appreciating the intricacies of the natural world. While residing in Vilnius, Lithuania, she continues to make substantial contributions to the field of medical education, leaving an indelible mark on the sector.

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

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How to Perform the Jaw Thrust Maneuver for Airway Management

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Aug 15, 2024, at 8:33 am

The jaw thrust maneuver is a specific method for opening the airway of an unconscious person. During the process of performing CPR, it is critical to open the airway of the patient to allow for air movement. The typical method of using the head-tilt chin-lift method is not applicable in some situations, especially when a patient’s head cannot be easily moved. Knowing how to use the jaw-thrust maneuver may help to provide your patient with the ability to breathe and keep the airway unobstructed, making it a critical skill to learn.

When Is the Jaw Thrust Maneuver Used?

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

The use of the jaw thrust maneuver is necessary when a patient has cervical spine injuries or suspected injuries of the spine. It may be used when a patient is unconscious and has obvious or suspected injuries to the spine or neck.

In patients who are unconscious with a suspected cervical spine injury, the jaw-thrust maneuver is effective at allowing the tongue to be cleared from the airway. It does not require any manipulation of the spine when done properly, as noted by Clinics in Sports Medicine practitioners Mary Terese Whipple MD and Jeffrey P. Feden MD at ScienceDirect.

The jaw thrust maneuver provides for effective management of the airway when a patient is unconscious and should be employed in specific situations when careful airway management is necessary. It is appropriate in most situations, such as the following:

The patient is unconscious: This is the primary indication of using this technique. The patient is not responsive and not breathing normally, as witnessed in chest movement. Opening the patient’s airway may facilitate effective breathing.
Spinal or neck injuries or suspected injuries: If there is any potential of a neck or spinal injury, such as when a person suffers serious trauma, falls, or accidents, this method minimizes any movement of the cervical spine to reduce the risk of worsening the injuries.
Limited mobility of the neck: In situations where it is not possible to move the neck due to a medical condition or other known limitations, this method may be used to open the airway without causing additional harm.
Facial trauma: A patient with facial trauma or fractures that hinder the use of the head tilt chin lift method may benefit from the use of this method.

In situations where the cause of the person’s consciousness is not fully understood, it may be beneficial to use this method to protect the airway without moving the spine.

How to Perform the Jaw Thrust Maneuver on a Patient

To perform the jaw thrust maneuver, it is critical to get the Rescuer performing the Jaw Thrust Maneuver on a training manikin to open the airway during emergency care. position of the patient just right, learn how to place your hands, and the specific technique to use. Consider the following steps to ensure you perform this method properly.

Positioning the Patient for Care

To perform this method, the patient should be on their back on a firm surface. Avoid moving the patient any more than necessary if there is a suspected spinal injury. A stable platform is necessary for performing this maneuver safely since it limits any unnecessary movement of the body, reducing the risk of more complicated injuries.

Once the patient is in the proper position, kneel next to the patient’s head. Position yourself so that you have a clear view of the airway. This provides better control to the rescuer in performing the maneuver properly. The right position for you also ensures you can monitor the patient closely for any response or changes in vital signs.

Remember:

Ensure the patient is on a flat, solid surface.
Position yourself at the head of the person, often kneeling behind their head to gain access.

Hand Placement in the Jaw Thrust Maneuver

The way you place your hands on the patient will determine the effectiveness of this maneuver. Specifically, place both of your hands on either side of the head. Position your fingers under the jawbone at the hinge of the jaw. This allows you to gently lift the jaw. In doing this, you will need a firm grip but not so tight that you cause discomfort or injury to the patient.

Position your fingers at the hinges of the jaw, with a grasp around the jaw and thumbs positioned just under the lower lip on the chin.

How to Move the Jaw

Once in position, lift the jaw upward and forward using both of your hands at the same time. The goal is to move the jaw away from the face, which allows you to open the airway. It only takes gentle movement to do this, and it allows you to reposition the tongue using your fingers. By seeing directly into the airway, you can also see any tissues blocking the airway and manipulate them enough to open them.

In this process, use your fingers to guide the lower jaw (mandible) forward. This creates a chin-up position, helping to clear the airway of the patient as a result. It is critical not to apply so much pressure or force to this process that it causes significant movement of the neck or head. Gently guide the movement of the jaw instead.

Apply pressure to the fingers and thumb, lifting the lower jaw slightly upward.
Open the airway and ensure the tongue is out of the way of the back of the throat and any obstructions are removed.

Assessing a Patient After Manipulation

Once you have moved the patient’s jaw and opened the airway, look at the patient’s chest. Look for any signs of breathing, even limited rise and fall of the chest. If there is no movement, check to ensure nothing is blocking the airway in the mouth. Foreign objects, including debris or vomit, could be in the way, limiting their ability to breathe.

In situations where the patient is not breathing adequately, it is necessary to maintain the maneuver over time until additional help arrives to support the patient’s breathing. Maintaining the airway opening is critical to ensuring the lungs can pull in air if the person is able to do so. In many situations, it then becomes necessary to initiate CPR if a person has not responded on their own.

Monitor for breathing.
If there is no breathing, check the mouth again for any obstructions present.
Call for help if you have not done so yet.
Provide rescue breathing or CPR, dependent on the patient’s condition

The jaw thrust maneuver is highly effective, but time is critical. Ensure that you practice this method of opening a person’s jaw and positioning your hands so that you gain the muscle memory to act quickly. Accuracy, attention to details of the obstructions in the mouth, and careful monitoring of the patient’s breathing can help you save their life.

How Does the Jaw Thrust Maneuver Differ from the Head Tilt Technique?

The head tilt chin lift maneuver is the standard used in most situations for clearing the obstruction of the patient’s airway. In this method, the person’s head is tilted backward, which automatically opens the airway. This method will involve hyperextension of the neck.

In the jaw-thrust maneuver, the neck is not manipulated in the same manner. Instead, this method forces the jaw forward to open the airway. As a result, this method does not cause the hyperextension of the neck in any way. This maneuver is better in situations where the patient may have a spinal injury.

Jaw-thrust maneuver vs head tilt-chin lift

Jaw thrusts:

Airway is opened without any movement of the neck
Use when there could be suspected neck or spinal injury
Use in trauma patients where injuries to the spine are unsure
More challenging to perform
Requires some level of force to move the jaw
Must be performed properly to be effective

Head tilt chin lift:

Airway is opened by tilting the head back
Used when there is no suspected risk of spinal injury
Use for unresponsive patients when there are no signs of trauma
More commonly used
Easier to perform with less overall force
Effective and ideal for most situations

Both methods take practice to ensure they are done properly. Knowing first aid skills is essential to protecting the patient.

Indications to use Jaw Thrust Maneuver

The patient has a suspected upper airway obstruction and is unresponsive
Use as a part of initial emergency treatment for patients with impending respiratory arrest
Use as a part of initial emergency treatment in patients known to have apnea
Improves airway patency during BVM ventilation and may lead to spontaneous breathing in some situations

Maintain this open airway position as long as necessary while performing other necessary resuscitation tasks or until help arrives.

Contraindications of the Jaw Thrust Maneuver

This method should not be used if the patient has a do-not-resuscitate order or other advanced directives that dictate not performing any life-saving actions.

When determining what is most important, creating and maintaining airway and ventilation is the greater priority over a possible cervical spine injury. When there is any indication of a potential cervical spinal injury, use this method.

The Merck Manual indicates that there are possible complications for this specific airway opening method, including:

Potential for spinal cord injury if the cervical spine in situations where the cervical spine has an unstable bony or ligamentous injury
Exacerbation of a mandibular injury

Other potential situations where the jaw thrust maneuver should not be used include:

Serious facial trauma that indicates mandible injury, which may make the movement impossible
Jaw fractures in which significant pain may be created, in which situation nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal airway methods may be better.
Lack of any mobility of the jaw, which makes this method impossible to complete and may require the use of a laryngeal mask airway or endotracheal intubation
Maxillofacial surgery patients who have undergone surgery and may have devices or sutures present
Tracheostomy patients, which is an alternative airway for the patient, and the jaw-thrust maneuver should not be used on
Patients with neuromuscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy may not have control over jaw movements, which may make this method less effective overall.

Follow Through Care After Performing the Jaw Thrust Maneuver

Once the patient begins to breathe on their own and can clear their airway on their own, you do not have to continue this care. However, maintain the open airway whenever possible for as long as possible.

This method can be applied with the use of oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airways. In addition, the use of continuous positive airway pressure may also help to improve airway patency when the manual methods do not work effectively.

It is also possible to use suction to help clear the upper airway. Do so if there is fluid, such as vomiting, that could be obstructing the airway and limiting positive airflow.

The Modified Jaw Thrust Maneuver

A secondary option for rescuers to consider is the modified jaw thrust maneuver which is a simple change in the position of the hands. In th modification, one hand supports the patient’s jaw in the standard method utilized above. The other hand is used to maintain the patient’s head in a neutral position. This creates better protection for the spinal cord in situations where there is a risk of injury.

This method is typically only beneficial when there is evidence of a cervical spine injury because it may be more difficult to perform due to the force needed. In situations where there is a significant cervical injury, use the modified jaw thrust maneuver to hold the head in a neutral position, minimizing any movement. This method maintains spinal precautions.

This method may also be applicable in situations where the patient is conscious but cannot maintain their airway on their own due to muscle weakness or jaw pain. The modified jaw thrust method enables a rescuer to assist the patient in a safe manner and clear their airway without causing significant discomfort or harm to them.

Learn the Necessary Skills to Save Lives

The jaw thrust maneuver is one of the numerous life-saving skills people should know in order to provide patients with the care they need in an emergency situation. This method requires practice and skill to be performed in a safe manner. Getting that training can help ensure you know what to do when there is an emergency in a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury.

At Advanced Medical Certification, we offer comprehensive education and training to equip you with life saving skills. Whether you are a health care provider or an employer, our certification in CPR, AED, and First Aid will prepare you to handle emergencies effectively. Explore our certification options today and start enhancing your emergency response capabilities.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

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CPR and First Aid Certification: 100% Online Training Guide

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Aug 13, 2024, at 8:18 am

Like you, I wanted to learn CPR, but I didn’t want to have to find a local class or give up my Saturday to do it. A while back, I learned I could take a CPR and First Aid Certification course 100% online. It takes a lot less time than I thought, and the free version is all most people will need. In this guide, I share what I learned about this free online CPR certification and why I would choose Advanced Medical Certification when I need medical education certificates.

Get Free CPR Training Online

A free online CPR training course covers all the same information you’d learn in an in-person course, but without having to spend your Saturday in a classroom with people you don’t know going over information you may already know very well. You can take a free online course on your own time on any device at your own pace and take the test when you feel ready.

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

The Advanced Medical Certification website offers a free CPR, Students practicing CPR and First Aid on a manikin with an instructor guiding them. AED, and First Aid online training course. This course covers key areas such as administering CPR, using AED devices, and providing first aid in various situations. It includes comprehensive online materials, video demonstrations, audiobooks, practice tests, visual algorithms, and even a printed CPR and first aid certification manual if you’d like to request one.

To receive a CPR certification, you will take and pass an exam and pay a small fee. However, the learning is 100% free and available for everyone.

Why Take a 100% Online Course

Taking an online CPR course makes it easier to stay up-to-date with the current evidence-based CPR recommendations. If your employer or professional license requires a current CPR certification, and you wait until the last minute, you can complete the free course in about an hour without having to wait to schedule an in-person CPR course.

Getting your CPR and First Aid Certification is convenient. It’s the way more people are keeping their CPR certifications current these days.

Join the 7 Million Life Savers and Growing

Advanced Medical Certification alone has helped almost seven million live savers learn CPR or update their knowledge in a convenient online course. That number really means something to me. Did you know:

A review of 600K cases found that those who received bystander CPR are 28% more likely to survive (NIH.gov) and significantly less likely to have irreversible brain damage.
70-80% of cardiac arrests happen at home, so the person you save may be a loved one. (NIH.gov)
15-20% of cardiac arrests happen in a public place, so you may get the chance to save a stranger. (NIH.gov)

Getting a little technical for a moment, the review also showed that when a bystander witnesses and performs CPR immediately, the person is 30% more likely to have a shockable rhythm when EMS arrives. That’s important because those with an initially shockable rhythm are 1-2X more likely to survive to discharge.

What You Learn in an Online CPR Certification Course

You learn about the Chain of Survival. This chain starts when you see someone having a cardiac arrest, and you decide to start high-quality CPR. You learn what to do in a specific order so that you can act quickly and confidently.

As a link in the Chain of Survival, you perform high-quality CPR until an emergency response team arrives. If you are a medical professional like a medical assistant, EMS, or nurse, you may also be performing high-quality CPR until medical professionals with more advanced technologies and scopes of practice arrive to take over.

Either way, I’ve already mentioned that not breaking this chain is so important.

To sum things up, by learning CPR for free online, you get to:

Increase survival chances
Reduce risk of brain damage
Help the person keep a shockable rhythm

In a CPR and First Aid Certification course, you also learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to shock the person’s heart when they have a shockable rhythm. You learn these skills for not just adults, but also children and infants.

What You Learn in an Online First Aid Certification Course

Simply learning CPR is a brave undertaking. However, very often the person will need first aid instead. For this reason, you learn them together in one CPR and First Aid Certification course.

In AMC’s online first aid certification course you learn how to provide first aid in over 25 medical emergencies. Similar to CPR, your quick response can increase the person’s chance of surviving and thriving after the incident.

The free online first aid course with certificate includes but isn’t limited to learning what to do during the following emergencies:

Obstructed airways / Choking
Low blood sugar
Stroke
Asthma attack
Severe allergic reaction
Trauma

Over 220,000 People Certified

AMC has helped over 200K people get CPR and First Aid certified after they complete the free online CPR and first aid course with certificate.

Why Take CPR and First Aid Certification from AMC

It’s easy to start learning CPR and First Aid right now online. You don’t have to sign up or give any personal information. After you complete the free course, you’re welcome to share your name and info so AMC can send your official certificate electronically or by mail. However, that’s up to you.

As a representative of AMC, I believe that the more people who learn CPR and first aid, the better the world can be. People like you and I are ready to manage an emergency.

ILCOR’s Evidence-Based Standards

Advanced Medical Certification bases its courses on the latest standards from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). This organization reviews the most current medical research to determine the best steps to take (in what order) to save lives.

Who Needs CPR and First Aid Certification?

Anyone can benefit from learning CPR and First Aid, even children as young as 12. With that said, specific professionals should absolutely get their CPR and First Aid Certification, including:

Teachers, aides, and daycare workers
Medical assistants
EMTs
Police officers and private security
Firefighters
Nurses
Social workers
Mental health professionals
Fitness professionals
Entertainment or hospitality
Anyone who works in a medical setting

Why a Free Online First Aid Course is Great for Your Career

Regardless of your profession, potential employers respect those who have CPR and First Aid Certifications—from construction to food services. Not only are you ready for potential emergencies among employees or customers. It shows initiative. When all else is equal between two candidates, having a first aid certification can certainly tip the scales in your direction.

However, some professionals need a CPR and First Aid Certification more than others. Maintaining a certification can directly impact their ability to continue to practice and/or advance their careers. For example, it allows health and wellness professionals to:

Renew professional licenses or certifications
Potentially secure a new job or higher pay (if it’s not a requirement)
Work effectively with their life-saving teams
Take on leadership roles

CPR Training for Continuing Education Credits

If you are a professional who has to complete continuing education to maintain your license or certification, getting certified or recertified in CPR and first aid may count as a CME/CE/CEU Credit. Are you wondering if these credits will be accepted by your licensing board? That’s where knowing your getting a free online CPR certification from an accredited company comes in.

Industry Accreditation

Advanced Medical Certifications (AMC) certifications are jointly provided by the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine (PIM). PIM is accredited by several organizations to provide continuing education. These organizations include:

Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Handy CPR Algorithms

CPR algorithms are visual representations that you can follow during CPR to decide what to do next. These colorful guides are backed by evidence that has shown this is the most likely to help a person experiencing a cardiac arrest.

They break down CPR instructions into easy-to-follow decision trees while providing reminders about how to perform high-quality CPR. However, it’s important to note that there’s no time during an emergency to follow an algorithm if you don’t already know it. Instead, algorithms serve as study tools, helping you internalize the 7 steps of CPR.

Adult BLS Algorithm

BLS stands for basic life support. Bystander CPR and BLS are interchangeable for the most part, with BLS focusing more on working with a team. This is critical because high-quality CPR is hard to perform as one person.

In BLS you are expected to not only think about your own ability to perform CPR but how to work with others in the room who have similar training. This team mentality allows you to designate roles and swap roles when one role (chest compressions) becomes too tiring.

You’re more likely to work with a team as a medical professional, e.g., EMT, nurse, medical assistant. However, anyone can benefit from reviewing the BLS CPR algorithm. Bystanders with CPR training may need to work together as well.

Simple Adult BLS Algorithm

The Simple Adult BLS Algorithm is a scaled-down version of the BLS algorithm. It eliminates all the extra instructions for high-quality CPR and favors a visual you can quickly view. It only includes the following steps, which assume you already know CPR:

Unresponsive: No Breathing or Only Gasping
Activate Emergency Response
Get AED and Start CPR (Push Hard and Fast)
Monitor Rhythm and Shock if Needed
Continue CPR

As a quick aside, if you’re using an AED, it handles the monitoring rhythms and may even administer shock automatically.

Keep Algorithms in Your Pocket

Algorithms in your pocket ensure you always have the right algorithm on you. Instead of thumbing through algorithm cards, you can see the steps and instructions on your phone.

AMC has an app called Medicode. It helps you quickly pull up the CPR algorithm for review as you begin CPR. This app includes an algorithm for:

Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Basic Life Support
Pediatric Advanced Life Support
CPR
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

Algorithms in Spanish and English

For the territories that speak Spanish, a Spanish version of the app is also available, ensuring you’re reviewing these vital algorithms in the language you’re most comfortable with.

Get Certified in CPR for Life

Did you know you could renew your CPR certification for life? For professionals required to maintain a certificate, this ensures these credentials don’t lapse. Every two years, when it’s time to get recertified in CPR, simply review the course and any potential changes. Then, take a quick test to make sure you remember the steps and get your recertification.

Buy once. Recertify forever. Never worry about the costs of certification going up or forgetting to recertify. You’re locked in and have already paid up for less than the cost of two certification periods. AMC will also send you a reminder when it’s time to renew, so you don’t forget.

You’re certified for life!

Bundle CPR with ACLS & PALS

I also want to make you aware that you can bundle CPR with other advanced medical certifications like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). If your employers or licensing board requires these certifications, you can get them all in one place online with Advanced Medical Certifications.

How to Get Started

To start learning how to administer first aid, visit the free CPR and first aid course.

Frequently Asked Questions About CPR and First Aid Certification

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure to assist someone whose heart has stopped or who is not breathing.

What does AED stand for?

Automated External Defibrillator.

Do I need to take a class to get certified?

Yes, certification typically requires completing a course and passing an exam. However, you can take a class 100% online with an accredited organization like Advanced Medical Certification (AMC) in association with the Post-Graduate Institute of Medicine (PIM).

How long does certification last?

Usually 2 years. However, you can get certified for life by paying a small one-time fee.

Is online first aid certification included with the CPR course?

Yes. Advanced Medical Certification’s (AMC) online course includes instructions for providing first aid for over 25 common conditions, from trauma to a bee sting.

Will I learn how to perform CPR on my child in a CPR course?

Yes. AMC’s CPR and First Aid course includes instructions for performing CPR on children and infants.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

Learn More About PALS Certification

ACLS vs. CPR

How Long Is PALS Good For? A Comprehensive Guide

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Aug 2, 2024, at 1:50 pm

Most emergency professionals, nurses, and first responders know the importance of maintaining their Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certifications. PALS, or Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification, is a critical certification to ensure a child receives proper medical care in a life-threatening situation.

How long is PALS good for once you receive your assessment?

Your PALS certification remains effective for two years after earning the certification. Consider what else you need to know about PALS, including pretests, recertification, and how PALS saves lives.

We offer Online PALS Certification and Renewal

Take our PALS Practice Test

What Is PALS Certification?

PALS certification is a specific certification that indicates the named party has been educated and passed the necessary training to provide cardiopulmonary emergency care to a child. PALS focuses specifically on providing essential care to an infant or a child that is critically ill.

PALS is more extensive and specific than BLS or ACLS, though all are important components to proper medical training for emergency situations. PALS is more advanced than first aid and CPR. The certification program offers both advanced and systemic skills and training for pediatric assessment.

The needs of a child or infant are often much different than those of adults, especially when there is a lack of communication. Data obtained through a study completed by researchers through the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania found that only about 10% of children who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive.

Core to these limited results is that many first responders may not know the proper procedures and requirements of children facing such events. In their study, they found that more errors occurred in pediatric scenarios than in adult patient care. The study notes, rightfully, that children are not just “small adults” and therefore need specialized care. PALS certification aims to provide an opportunity to ensure children receive that level of care.

Who Should Get PALS Certification?

PALS certification is beneficial to anyone who may provide care to a child in a critical medical situation. This includes emergency responders, ICU professionals, ER professionals, pediatric care providers, and others. If you are asking how long is PALS good for, you probably have your certification, but still need to know what to expect.

What Does PALS Certification Teach?

Upon completion of PALS education, students should be able to treat pediatric patients based on their assessment, including providing effective resuscitation, managing team dynamics of care, and providing comprehensive care as the child requires.

The PALS Certification course is robust, including a wide range of skills based on the specific needs of infants and children in critical, cardiac-related events. Some of those topics include:

Recognition of need: Fast recognition of the child’s needs and interventions to prevent cardiac arrest as well as respiratory arrest in pediatric patients
Assessment: A systemic approach to pediatric assessment, which includes initial impression, as well as both primary and secondary assessments, and all necessary or potential diagnostic testing
Communication strategies: PALS courses teach a significant amount of communication and team dynamics management to ensure each person understands the key tasks involved in their role in pediatric resuscitation.
Intervention strategies for children: The specific interventions for children and infants with circulatory or respiratory emergencies, including hands-on support for providing care that often differs from similar care provided to adult patients
CPR: Providers learn effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation strategies for infants and children
Respiratory management: The course includes effective respiratory management strategies used within ER or ICU environments
Post-resuscitation management: Practices and strategies for ensuring post-resuscitation management of care for the patient
Monitoring: Selection and use of effective cardiorespiratory monitoring equipment designed for children and infants
Rapid capsular access: Patients also learn rapid capsular access to provide fluid and medications to pediatric patients
Skill training: This includes effective respiratory management, defibrillation, intraosseous access, effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and fluid administration

Patients obtaining PALS certification must meet the requirements of the curriculum. PALS certification, according to the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, is necessary knowledge and skills to maintain the life of critically ill children and infants and, as a result, to improve clinical outcomes.

How Long Is PALS Good For After Initial Certification?

Once you obtain your PALS certification, it is good for two years. After completion of the necessary certification, you receive a card that includes your identifying information, the completion of your PALS certification, and a date that the certification expires. Once you learn how long PALS is good for, make a note about renewing it over time as needed.

After your PALS certification expires, you will no longer have a valid certification, meaning you cannot claim that you have it, and if your employer requires that you maintain it, you will no longer meet this requirement. Be sure to check how long is PALS good for with your employer if their requirements are different.

You Can Renew Your PALS Certification

If you just learned how long PALS is good for and are worried about your certification expiring, the process for renewing it is easy to do. Recertification of PALS is necessary. It enables you to ensure your skills are the most up-to-date they can be and allows you to receive updated information about any procedural or guideline changes that have developed in the previous two years.

Most often, recertification courses are less intense than the initial educational process, and you are likely to build new skills. They are well worth taking not just to meet employer requirements but also to enhance your working knowledge of providing pediatric advanced life support to those in need.

You Do Not Have to Take the Original Certification Course Again

Once you complete your initial course, you do not have to take the same initial course again to renew your PALS certification. A recertification course, when needed, is necessary, and that means you will spend less and get more hands-on support for topics that are relevant to you as a skilled provider.

You can take a PALS recertification course at any time, even if your current certificate has expired. You can take our program even if you completed your initial PALS certification through anther provider. The recerifification will remain in place for another two years.

Can You Complete Your PALS Certification Online?

Advanced Medical Certification offers a comprehensive PALS course and certification preparation process designed to be flexible and time-efficient without any deviation from providing critical, life-saving information to first responders. This online program provides you with the information, guidance, and comprehensive education you need to do well on your team.

The online PALS certification is thorough and reliable. It includes the same content and quality of information that is found in classroom certification, but is completed online.

Once you complete the educational requirements of the PALS course, you can then complete the certification test. To earn your certification, you must:

Participate in a classroom course
Complete all learning stations required
Take and pass the written exam (requires an 84% or higher score)
Complete skills tests including 1- and 2-rescuer child BLS and pass
Perform well in 2 PALS core case scenarios acting as the team leader in both respiratory and cardiac events

There is quite a bit to learn to pass your PALS exam and earn certification, but doing so can provide you with the education and training you need to provide this life saving skill.

How Do You Prepare for the PALS Course?

To earn PALS certification, you must be knowledgeable about the specific care need to meet critically ill infant’s and children’s needs. This requires a different skillset from what you may already have for BLS skills.

To prepare for your PALS exam, our PALS handbook provides you with all of the information you need to learn efficiently. You can use a digital or print version and utilize it to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work through this course.

We also recommend taking the PALS pretest. This practice test can help you gauge your knowledge now and through the course to ensure you are ready for the certification process. This PALS self assessment provides you with information about what you may need to learn a bit more about to ensure you are ready to take this test.

Why Is PALS Certification and PALS Recertification So Important?

PALS certification is critically important to life-saving efforts for children. Children and infants respond differently to emergency situations than adults do, and that difference can be critical in life-saving efforts. Some of the most notable differences between children and adults include the following:

Heart rhythms
Airway management methods
Various drugs interact in different ways in children and infants
Cardiac presentation in children and infants presents differently than in adults

Because of these and other differences, there is a high demand for individuals who have extensive knowledge of infant and children critical care needs. Having your PALS certification provides a way for you to efficiently and effectively provide life-saving measures to children in critical need.

Now that you know how long is PALS good for, you can start on the path to obtaining your certification or, if you already have it, you can renew it with our services today. At Advanced Medical Certification, we offer exceptional resources and tools to help you do well as you work to change the lives of children.

What To Do Now: Takeaways

Ensure your skills are up-to-date as a medical professional who may provide critical care to infants or children by obtaining your PALS certification. Whether you need to renew your certification or are pursuing it for the first time, Advanced Medical Certification offers comprehensive courses and testing to help you succeed.

Take the next step in your career and start your PALS Certification Now!

FAQs

Can I earn AMA Category 1 Credits with PALS Certification?

Depending on the situation, youc an earn up to 8 AMA Category 1 Credits through our program. Our program hsas been reviewed by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM), which is an accredited provider. This organization has reviewed our PALS certification course and has approved it for AMA Category 1 credits.

Who creates the PALS courses?

At Advanced Medical Certification, our PALS course is created by Board Certified Physicians. These professionals and our team adhere to the most up-to-date ILCOR Standards and Guidelines. Additionally, these courses are designed to meet the Joint Commission compliance requirements. You can trust that the education you are getting through our PALS course is effective, highly accurate, and up-to-date to prepare you for the type and level of care you need to provide.

How long is PALS Good for when I renew my certification?

Your initial certification remains in effect for two years. Once that two years is up, you will need to complete recertification through a secondary, up to date course. Once you complete that course and earn your recertification, your certificate remains in effect for another two years. After that point, you will again need to recertify. Recertification is an important component of PALS since it enables individuals to maintain the most up to date knowledge of critical life-saving skills.

I am an ACLS-certified first responder. Do I need to take the PALS Certification?

PALS certification is recommended for anyone who could provide emergency medical care to a critically ill infant or child. That includes first responders. It is important to know your state’s specific laws on whether PALS is a requirement for the position you are in. Local, state, and regional organizations may require you to maintain this education. Also, note that your employer may require that you maintain your PALS certification.

How do I receive my PALS Certification card once I complete my exam?

There is no delay in this process. Once you complete your exam and all coursework, you can then take your PALS certification exam. Once you pass with an 84% or higher, and meet all other requirements, you can then receive your PALS certification card. It can be provided to you in a digital format that you can use right away.

You will also receive a printed version of your card in the mail, typically within three to five business days. The same process applies to those who are recertifying their PALS certification.

How long is PALS good for if I haven’t had my certification in some time?

If you took your PALS certification course and obtained your certification at any time, you can recertify through the recertification courses available. However, remember the importance of this education and information. If it has been a long time, and you are not sure that you will remember the intricate details of providing care to critically ill children and infants, taking the certification course from the beginning could be beneficial to you and help you pass your certification. Consider taking the PALS precourse self-assessment to see where your skills are right now.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

Learn More About ACLS Certification

ACLS vs. CPR

How Do Healthcare Professionals Implement ACLS Algorithms?

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Jul 30, 2024, at 9:02 pm

According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, there were around 356,000 cardiac arrests in the US in 2022, representing a small jump from the 2015 data. These numbers, compiled from data at the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) and Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES), represent a need for effective mitigations in the event of these emergencies.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) algorithms refer to the techniques that healthcare professionals use to manage symptoms and promote better outcomes during the worst-case scenarios. When 90% of the cardiac arrests referenced above were fatal, it shines a spotlight on the critical nature of these events and why it’s so important to understand what can be done and how it can best be implemented at the first sign of trouble.

We offer Online ACLS Certification and Renewal

Take our ACLS Practice Test

Before You Start

Man clutching chest in pain, illustrating symptoms of acute coronary syndrome managed by ACLS Algorithms. In the event of cardiac arrest or stroke, immediate intervention makes a huge difference. This is why it’s so important to recognize the initial symptoms so you can spring into action sooner rather than later.

As a general rule, particularly if you’re not a doctor and don’t have access to medical equipment, your best course of action is to get access to medical support as quickly as possible and to administer basic healthcare (e.g., CPR, etc.) until help arrives. Below, we’ll look at the symptoms, what to do if you encounter different types of cardiac events, and the steps healthcare professionals will typically take once they’re in charge.

Keep in mind that ACLS and BLS (Basic Life Support) share very similar initial steps. If you’re comparing ACLS vs BLS, the main difference is that ACLS takes BLS several steps further. With BLS, you’re providing immediate care for the injured patient, which can include CPR, defib, choking relief, etc. ACLS is more advanced care, referring to anything from airway management to CT scans to full work-ups post event.

Acute Stroke Algorithm

An acute stroke occurs when the brain’s blood flow is interrupted. This is often due to a clot in the blood vessels, but it can also occur if a blood vessel ruptures. In both cases, the longer the brain is deprived of oxygen, the more cells will die.

The acute stroke algorithm involves the following:

Spot the symptoms: If a person’s face is drooping, their arms are weak, or they’re having difficulty speaking, they may be having a stroke.
Call 911: An EMS team monitors the patient, notes the onset of symptoms, provides oxygen, checks glucose, and triages to the appropriate part of the hospital.
General assessment: This includes vital sign evaluation, neurological assessment, MRI orders or emergency CT scans, lab assessments, ECGs, and stroke team activation. The goal is always to complete these tasks as quickly as possible after the initial sign of symptoms.
Neurological assessment: This includes full patient health history, neurologic exam, and analysis of symptom onset.
Hemorrhage assessment: In the case of hemorrhage, the patient will be admitted for treatment, and their healthcare team will develop a stroke protocol to manage and treat the condition. If there’s no hemorrhage, the patient will be evaluated for fibrinolytic therapy to effectively dissolve clots that could lead to further strokes.

Acute Coronary Syndrome Management

An acute coronary can refer to either angina or a heart attack. If a person is suffering from Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), they might experience chest pain, discomfort in their arms, jaw, neck, or stomach, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or excessive sweating.

The general ACLS algorithm includes the following steps:

Assessment and early intervention: EMS teams will assess the patient, administer oxygen, morphine, or nitroglycerin as needed, and prepare them for hospital care, which will include an ECG. In general, the patient will only need CPR if they’ve gone into cardiac arrest, meaning their heart has stopped beating. If there are no available medical supplies, aspirin can thin the blood so it’s easier for the heart to process.
ECG Interpretation: This is the most involved step in this ACLS algorithm, as it takes into account protein levels and heart muscle thickness. If the patient’s ECG reveals ST elevation, they’ll need immediate transfer to a cardiac catheterization lab.
Monitoring: Vital signs, heart rhythms, and pain levels can all indicate how well the patient is recovering. It’s important to keep an eye on these factors even after the patient is out of immediate danger.

Adult Tachycardia with Pulse Algorithm

As the heartbeat starts to speed up, it can result in chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, and palpitations. While the pulse rhythms indicate that the heart is beating at a regular pace, it’s critical to step into action at the first sign of symptoms.

The adult tachycardia with pulse ACLS algorithm involves the following:

Assess heartbeat: Tachycardia is usually defined as more than 150 beats per minute.
Treatment: This may mean assisted breathing, administering oxygen/IV, monitoring blood pressure, or performing an ECG.
Additional care: If the tachycardia is persistent and causing more alarming symptoms, such as mental failure or heart failure, the patient may need sedation or adenosine to restore a more regular heartbeat. If the patient’s vitals do not follow regular patterns, they may need an expert consultation to determine the best course of treatment.

Adult Bradycardia with Pulse Algorithm

When the heart rate slows, it can result in faintness, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest pain. It can be causedby anything from heart damage to medications to thyroid disorders. In some cases, bradycardia is normal for healthy adults while they’re at rest. For others, it can be a sign of heart failure.

ACLS algorithms for adult bradycardia with pulse include the following:

Assess heartbeat: Bradycardia is usually defined as less than 50 beats per minute.
Treatment: This may mean assisted breathing, administering oxygen/IV, monitoring blood pressure, performing an ECG, or assessing potential hypoxic or toxicological causes. It’s critical not to overventilate the patient if they require oxygen. This will mean carefully titrating to achieve ETCO2 levels of between 35 to 40 mm. The exact dosages will depend on whether you’re administering atropine, dopamine, or epinephrine.
Additional care: If the patient is not displaying signs of hypotension, altered mental state, chest pain, or acute heart failure, then the next step is to monitor and observe. If they are, they may need an expert consultation to understand more about their condition, what’s causing it, and how it can best be treated.

Adult Immediate Post-Cardiac Arrest Management Algorithm

The ACLS algorithm for immediate post-cardiac arrest management starts with proper management. Once the heart begins to beat again, emergency medical staff need to oxygenate the blood, assess pressure, and evaluate the total damage to the heart.

The tachycardia ACLS algorithm with pulse involves the following:

Managed care: Respiratory parameters, hemodynamic parameters, and airway will all need to be addressed. For example, early placement of an endotracheal tube can ensure the patient receives more oxygen during a critical period.
Emergency intervention: The patient may need emergency intervention if mechanical circulatory support is required, if they’re in unstable cardiogenic shock, or if STEMI is present.
Assess brain functionality: If the patient can follow simple commands, they’ll require standard critical care management. If not, they may need EEG monitoring, CT scan, or TTM.
Ventilation: Ideal ETCO2 levels are between 35 to 40 mm. Reversible causes of post-cardiac arrest include toxins, hypovolemia, hypoxia, and hypothermia.

Adult Cardiac Arrest Management Algorithm

When a person goes into cardiac arrest, the first step is CPR. It’s important to get the patient’s heartbeat started as quickly as possible to avoid brain damage.

The ACLS algorithm for post-cardiac arrest care includes the following:

CPR: You’re aiming to push down on the chest at least two inches and to allow enough time for the chest to recoil.There should be no interruptions in the cycle for best results. Your compression to ventilation ratio should be 30 to 2 and if the ETCO2 levels are below 10 mmHg, you may need to adjust your CPR rhythms.
Shock: The ACLS algorithm recommends biphasic delivery of energy during defib, as opposed to monophasic waveforms. Typically, manufacturer recommendations for shock energy start at a dose of 120 to 200 J. If you’re unable to access the recommendations, we recommend the maximum available with subsequent doses at around the same levels.
Circulation return: Once pulse, arterial pressure, and blood pressure have returned, the patient may need additional intubation or drug therapy. Reversible causes of cardiac arrest include acidosis, hypoxia, hypothermia, and tamponade.

Electrophysiology ACLS

The ACLS for electrophysiology comes down to the rhythms of the heart. The faster you can read and interpret the signals, the easier it is to understand the heart’s patterns.

ACLS algorithms includes the following:

Recap the PQRST Properties: Review the ECG tracking, including P waves, QRS complex, T waves, PR segment, ST interval, QT interval, and RR interval.
Identify common categories: Atrial dysrhythmias will present differently than tachyarrhythmias. It’s important to understand how these categories (e.g., sinus, conduction blocks, etc.) break down so you can assess the patient’s condition.
Identify the most common ACLS rhythms: Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR) and Sinus Bradycardia. Sinus Tachycardia, 1st Degree Heart Block, 2nd Degree AV block Type I (Mobitz Type I, Wenckebach’s). 2nd Degree AV block Type II (Mobitz Type II), 3rd Degree AV block (complete heart block, CHB), Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), Atrial Fibrillation (aFib), Atrial Flutter, Ventricular Tachycardia (vTach), and Pulseless Ventricular Fibrillation (vFib) are all normal ACLS rhythms.

Learn More About ACLS Algorithms

The above information touches on the basics of ACLS algorithms, though each step for each condition will take some time to master. Learning more about the algorithms can help you feel more in control of the situation, so you can be more confident with how to best help the patient.

If you want to get your certification in ACLS algorithms, the certifications and renewal training courses at Advanced Medical Certifications (AMC), our online courses and certificates are just as credible as those administered in a classroom setting. All courses are designed by Board Certified Physicians and adhere to the latest ILCOR standards, so you can be certain you’re receiving the most accurate information.

To take (and ace) the course, you’ll simply need to review online course materials, watch videos, and engage in helpful skill sessions. At AMC, we allow you to work at your own pace, making our courses accessible from anytime, anywhere. The entire recertification or certification course for ACLS algorithms can be completed in as little as an hour, making it easy to study and take the exam in one sitting!

To get ACLS Certification and Recertification, click here to get started.

FAQs

What are ACLS algorithms?

ACLS algorithms refer to the steps that you should take after a person has suffered from a cardiac event. While each algorithm varies, the goal is always to restore oxygen levels and limit permanent damage.

Can I administer ACLS algorithms without medical equipment?

Most steps involve some degree of medical equipment, though you can administer CPR to help restore basic functionality and limit patient damage if the event occurs outside of an equipped setting.

What Is ACLS Certification and Do I Need It?

ACLS certification refers to the official exam given for ACLS algorithms. It covers many of the above topics, including proper ventilation techniques and managed care best practices.

Not everyone will need ACLS certification, though it depends on the organization. Most hospitals and medical settings do require these certifications if you work with cardiac patients. If you’re working as a home health aide or caregiver, having this certificate can make you a more attractive job candidate, not to mention more effective at your job.

What Is the Chain of Survival?

The Chain of Survival refers to the steps you’ll take after a cardiac event. These include: activation of emergency response, early CPR, defib, advanced life support, post-cardiac arrest care, and recovery. While each patient will need personalized treatment plans, these basic steps help you prioritize your time and efforts.

Is the ACLS algorithms course difficult?

No! In fact, many people are able to complete it on their own time at their own pace. After going over the basics and watching the videos, it’s easy to ace the exam.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

ACLS vs. CPR

What are the 7 Steps of CPR?

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Jul 23, 2024, at 5:15 am

Imagine you’re at a crowded event, enjoying the day, when suddenly someone collapses. Your heart races. Someone must act fast. Then you realize you’re that someone—a rescuer who is trained in CPR and First Aid.

You know exactly what to do because you learned CPR and First Aid through an accredited online certification program from Advanced Medical Certification. But did you know a more advanced level of learning exists? You can learn about it in a BLS course. Today, I’ll share the answer to: What are the 7 steps of CPR? Plus, we’ll compare BLS vs CPR training to discover why you’ll want to learn these more advanced skills.

Spoiler: If you love teamwork, you’ll want to learn BLS.

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

CPR vs BLS

First, look at the key differences between BLS and CPR.

What is a CPR Course?

A CPR course focuses on the “Chain of Survival” initiated by bystander rescuers. This involves performing high-quality CPR to keep blood pumping to the brain during cardiac arrest until emergency professionals arrive.

You can think of the CPR you learn in the CPR course as a simplified version for everyone.

According to a review by ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation), even children as young as 10 could perform effective CPR and potentially save lives.

In a CPR course from Advanced Medical Certification, you learn CPR and First Aid for 25 conditions, and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Every CPR course should cover everything you need to know about CPR for adults, children, and infants.

What is a BLS Course?

A Basic Life Support (BLS) course covers CPR, AED plus more advanced team-oriented and medical skills. It is a comprehensive emergency response protocol, primarily for healthcare providers, such as:

Doctors
Nurses
Medical Assistants
EMTs

You can take a BLS course to go through each step and decision in detail. As you learn the BLS algorithm and how to perform the steps competently, you’ll feel more confident you can handle an emergency.

What Are the 7 Steps of CPR?

1. Assess the Scene

Ensure that the scene is safe for you and the person who needs CPR. Do not put your life at risk to perform CPR.

2. Tap the Person

Tap on the person and speak loudly, “are you okay?”.

If the person can respond verbally or through movement, they don’t need CPR, but they may still need first aid or more advanced medical care.

3. Get Help

Call for help if you’re alone with the person. If you don’t see anyone, yell for someone to call 911.

If you do see someone, look directly at them and clearly say, “Call 911”.

**Eye contact is critical because of the well-documented Bystander Effect. In emergencies, most people expect someone else to call 911. This can lead to no one calling.**

Also, call for an AED machine, even if you are unsure if one is available.

If you are alone and no one comes to help, you should call 911, quickly tell them what the emergency is and where you are, and then stay on the line. However, you should set the phone down to provide high-quality CPR. is is critical because the out-of-hospital CPR success rate is only about 10% (TheLancet.com). However, that success rate increases significantly with high-quality CPR that begins within three to five minutes.

The person needs your full attention now.

If the person responded in step 2, you’re not doing CPR. You should instead provide first aid until emergency services arrive or the person can care for themselves. On the Advanced Medical Certifications website, you can learn first aid for many common emergencies, from frostbite to seizures to low blood sugar.

4. Check Breathing

Place the person on their back and lean down until your ear is close to their nose and mouth. Can you hear their breath? Can you feel it on your cheek? Do you see the person’s chest rising and falling?

If you detect breathing, they do not need CPR.

5. Start CPR (if Appropriate)

This step of CPR includes deciding whether to start CPR and how you will do it. Remember that once you decide to start CPR, you continue CPR uninterrupted until emergency services arrive. If another bystander knows CPR, you will alternate to keep up your strength.

According to DC.gov, EMS departments aim to arrive within five minutes 90% of the time. However, factors like city vs. rural, difficult terrain, and call volume can cause times to vary.

If you begin CPR and an AED arrives, stop, attach the pads, follow the instructions. Perform CPR while waiting for AED to alert you that it’s ready to shock.

6. Deliver Compressions

High-quality compressions at the appropriate depth are critical to the success rate.

A high-quality compression on an adult is performed at 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6 cm) deep. You let the chest rise between each compression as you will perform 30 compressions at 100 to 120 per minute.

To keep time, you can sing a song in your head that has this beat. Some popular CPR songs you may know include:

Eye of a Tiger (Survivor)
Stayin’ Alive (The Beegees)
Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) (Backstreet Boys)
Numb (Linkin Park)
Gettin’ Jiggy with It (Will Smith)
Work It (Missy Elliot)
Sweet Home Alabama (Lynard Skynard)
Crazy in Love (Beyonce & Jay Z)

There are many more. If you don’t know any of these songs, I found this Spotify list with almost 70 CPR songs in different genres you can check out.

7. Give Breaths

If you are the only rescuer, stop compressions long enough to clear the airways and provide two breaths. If there are two rescuers, one should provide breaths while the other pauses compressions for that time.

If you have chosen to give breaths, it’s also vital that you know how to do it correctly, and this has its own set of 7 steps:

Use protective gear if you have it.
Put your hand on the forehead.
Place your fingers on the bony part of the chin and lift it gently.
Pinch the person’s nose.
Put your mouth around the person’s open mouth.
Breathe deeply for one second. You should see their chest rise.
Repeat one time more and then return to compressions.

If the person starts responding at any time, stop CPR and assess the situation.

What Are the 7 Steps of CPR for a Child?

There are some key differences between adult CPR versus child CPR.

Assess the scene
Tap the child and yell “are you okay?”
Yell for help as you would in adult CPR. But if no one is available, do not stop to call 911. You prioritize starting CPR compressions over calling 911 yourself. You can use an AED on a child, so call out to see if one is available. Follow the AED instructions.
Check the breathing.
If no response, no breathing, or just gasping, start compressions. You perform CPR for around two minutes. This starts with 30 compressions. The compression depth for children is up to 2 inches (5 cm), depending on the child’s size.
Perform 2 rescue breaths.
After that, you call 911 and then resume compressions and breaths.

For CPR, a child is someone you estimate to be 12 or younger. Follow adult CPR for someone over 12.

The primary reason you start CPR before calling 911 with a child comes down to the fact that CPR’s success rate is higher in children, with one study showing it has risen from 7% to 20% out-of-hospital over the past 30 years. At the same time, the timing of CPR initiation in children has gone from 14 minutes to two minutes. This shortening of initiation time is credited for increasing these children’s survival rates, leading to this recommendation.

What Are the 7 Steps of CPR for an Infant?

An infant is a child that is under one year old. Infant CPR is like child CPR, except for the fact that you should not use your palm for compressions on an infant. Use two fingers instead.

What is the CPR Algorithm?

The CPR algorithm is an evidence-based decision tree that guides you through the above steps in a decision tree. It’s visual, making it easy to remember and follow the steps. Every potential rescuer should familiarize themselves with the CPR algorithm.

What is the BLS Algorithm?

The BLS algorithm walks medical professionals through the more advanced sets of decisions they need to make during an emergency event and provides different instructions based on whether they are alone or have a partner.

It’s also based on the latest evidence-based best practices established by the respected authority on the matter: ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation).

We have designed these BLS algorithms to inform both single rescuers and teams of two or more rescuers on how to deliver high-quality CPR and AED use for early defibrillation for potential adult or pediatric cases:

Pediatric BLS Algorithm

The Pediatric BLS Algorithm focuses on the unique needs of children during resuscitation. This algorithm includes steps such as assessing the scene for safety, checking for responsiveness, and activating the emergency response system.

It emphasizes the importance of performing high-quality chest compressions and providing appropriate ventilation tailored to the pediatric population. Early use of an AED with pediatric settings is also highlighted to improve survival rates in young patients. For more details, view the Pediatric BLS Algorithm.

Adult Basic Life Support (BLS) Algorithm

The Adult Basic Life Support (BLS) Algorithm outlines a systematic approach to adult resuscitation. It includes initial steps such as ensuring scene safety, checking for responsiveness, and activating the emergency response system while retrieving an AED.

The algorithm then guides rescuers to check for normal breathing and a pulse, initiating high-quality chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute and a depth of at least 2 inches if no pulse is detected. Rescue breaths are provided in a 30:2 ratio. The use of an AED is recommended as soon as it is available.

Basic Life Support (BLS) for Adults

The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Adults Algorithm builds upon the previous guidelines with enhanced measures to ensure high-quality care. It maintains the emphasis on early CPR and defibrillation, while adding refinements such as minimizing interruptions in chest compressions, ensuring full chest recoil between compressions, and avoiding excessive ventilation.

The updated guidelines also advocate for the use of feedback devices to monitor CPR quality and provide real-time adjustments to improve performance. These enhancements aim to optimize the effectiveness of resuscitation efforts.

BLS vs CPR Training (Do I Need Both?)

A BLS course is longer and has more in-depth medical information. However, it does not include first aid training since it is intended for medical professionals who already have this training. Those interested in first aid should consider taking CPR, first aid, and AED first.

Some professional licenses and certifications, like certified personal trainer, will require a CPR certificate and may not accept BLS even though a BLS CPR certification online includes CPR. Other licenses may require both for initial licensing or renewal.

Additionally, the type of continuing education credits you can earn is different.

You can earn up to 4 AMA Category 1 credits with BLS certification, but CPR can earn 6 Category 2 CME Credits.

Get Certified

CPR First Aid and AED Certifications

You can take a CPR course for free, but there are many reasons to get certified:

Looks great on a resume for non-medical professionals so it may open doors to new roles
May be required for some licenses and certifications in the healthcare, first response, education, and fitness spaces
Feel confident you know how to perform high-quality CPR and first aid

Basic Life Support Certification

You can also access BLS training for free, but there are many reasons to get your BLS/CPR certification.

Earn continuing education credit for license renewal
Be prepared to assist medical professionals during a Code Blue emergency
Open up new job and advancement opportunities
Gain leverage to negotiate higher pay if BLS is not required in your field

Get CPR for Life

Given the importance of CPR certification, you may want to maintain your CPR certification for life. Every two years, when it’s time to get your CPR recertification, you’ve already paid for it in today’s dollars, no matter how much the cost rises.

Where to Take a Free Online CPR Course

What are the 7 steps of CPR? Do you remember? I only scratched the surface in this guide. You can take a 100% online free CPR course to watch videos, review helpful diagrams, and test your life-saving knowledge.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

ACLS vs. CPR

What Is BLS Certification? The Power of Learning Life Support

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Jun 30, 2024, at 4:32 pm

Ever wondered what it takes to save a life? BLS certification might just be the answer you’re looking for. Standing for Basic Life Support, this certification equips you with crucial knowledge about what to do in life-threatening situations.

Learning these skills can benefit teachers, coaches, and concerned citizens alike. But what is BLS certification for?

People like you—healthcare providers who want to update their knowledge and climb the career ladder.

In this guide, I’ll give you an in-depth look at BLS for healthcare providers. You’ll learn what it looks like to get your BLS certification online – and why you should.

What are the pros and cons of getting your BLS card online vs. in-person? Is it really the same thing? I’ll cover it all!

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

What is BLS Certification?

BLS Certification is a special acknowledgment from an accredited organization. It’s designed for those, like you, who provide essential life-saving care or manage those who do.

It includes evidence-based algorithms that simplify decision-making during intense situations. This helps you, your co-workers, or a code blue team work together efficiently and confidently.

When everyone’s working from the same playbook, less time is spent identifying the best course of action. You just do!

Many studies support this approach to critical care.

Studies like this one show that BLS training improves knowledge and skills in lifesaving care.

Furthermore, studies show that following BLS protocols improves the rate at which life-saving shock and compressions begin, as well as, proper compression depth. These have been shown to improve survival to discharge rates.

This certification goes beyond CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) to expand your knowledge surrounding critical lifesaving tools like the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and techniques for emergencies like choking, labored breathing, or poor blood circulation.

This training is designed to be comprehensive for medical professionals, but it also provides information that a bystander could use to assist EMS or support life until EMS arrives.

BLS vs. CPR

When a non-medical person takes a CPR course, ease of understanding is the most important factor. Even if a CPR course could go into more detail, it doesn’t. That would complicate the procedure, which could actually do more harm than good.

Therefore, a BLS course expands on CPR with more details across adults, children, and infants. This helps a more skilled professional accommodate these differences.

Compared to CPR, BLS provides you with more advanced AED (Automated External Defibrillators) training to make even better use of this lifesaving device.

CPR doesn’t discuss ventilation techniques in detail. In fact, it’s more likely to encourage hands-only CPR for the average person.

Not only are people more likely to perform CPR when they don’t have to give breat, but one study published in JAMA found survival rates almost doubled among lay rescuers with hands-only CPR.

Giving breaths properly is harder than it looks in the movies.

However, that’s not the case for medical professionals like you. BLS ensures you know what quality breath is. And because you are not a lay rescuer, you can do it correctly.

CPR trains a person for single-rescuer and two-rescuer scenarios. However, because BLS is more appropriate for medical professionals, it focuses on the importance of teamwork between well-trained co-workers who hopefully each maintain a BLS Certification.

Even as a health care provider, it’s important to know what the average person is taught to do in a CPR course so you can pick up where they left off in the Chain of Survival. That’s why you get CPR certified to obtain this knowledge.

BLS vs. First Aid

First aid teaches the average layperson about the very basics like:

Cleanliness
Minor wound care
Identifying a stroke or heart attack in progress
Managing allergic reactions
Stabilizing fractures and strains

Everyone needs to know this stuff. But BLS focuses on what a medically-trained person like a nurse or EMT can do in more dire circumstances.

You’ll often have access to more advanced tools, even in your home. You also have more knowledge and experience to apply to a given situation.

What is BLS Certification vs. ACLS Certification?

BLS bridges the gap between the everyday rescuer and a medical professional. Getting a BLS certificate can benefit anyone.

If you were the only EMT in the room with someone facing a life-threatening emergency, you would want a bystander with BLS training there at your side. You both know the same procedures. You can work together to save a life.

ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), on the other hand, is intended for people with medical licenses only, such as:

EMT-B
Paramedic
Nurse
Doctor
Pharmacist
Physician’s Assistant

ACLS involves reading and interpreting EKGs, administering injections and infusions, and learning more advanced skills. Some of these things may be outside your scope of practice. But it’s still important for everyone on the team to know the protocols.

When you get PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certified, you’ve learned a type of ACLS. But it’s specifically for children and infants.

The Importance of the BLS Certification

BLS equips you with the skills to confidently take necessary actions during:

Cardiac arrest
Respiratory failure
Stroke
Choking

When you get your BLS certification, you’ll be better equipped to maintain vital blood flow to the brain. Keeping that blood moving can reduce brain damage and increase the survival rate to discharge, with the potential to return to the same quality of life (NIH.gov).

Who Needs BLS Certification?

If you are likely to come into contact with someone needing basic life support and may need to render aid or assist others in doing so, choosing to get BLS certified is a smart move.

It looks great on your resume. And you never know when you might get to use what you learn.

Non-Medical Professionals Who Need Basic Life Support Training

Non-medical individuals might include:

Teachers, daycare workers, and aides
Personal trainers and coaches
Firefighters
Police
Social workers
Rec center employees
Nursing home staff
Carers for the elderly or disabled
Management in these settings

In each of these cases, you can ensure that proper lifesaving care is provided immediately while waiting for medical professionals to arrive. That’s important because when someone is experiencing a medical emergency, the survival chances often come down to a matter of minutes.

Conversely, depending on your location, an ambulance’s arrival in the US can take around fifteen minutes.

Medical Professionals Who Need to Renew BLS Certification

Obtaining your BLS renewal online every two years is an easy way to stay up to date on the latest evidence-based care as a medical professional, such as:

Nurse
Physician
Physician Assistant
EMT-B and EMT-A
Paramedic
Dentist
Pharmacist
Technicians

Not only those who are medical professionals get to benefit from updating their knowledge. When you take an online BLS course with an accredited organization, it can also count toward your continuing medical education credits (CME).

You need 30 to 50 of these to renew your license. This varies from state to state. For example, Connecticut, specifies that you can complete a certain number of these online.

Taking a BLS course for certification can also be part of the reinstatement process if you allow your license to lapse. For example, in the state of California, a paramedic is required to complete training in BLS, ACLS, PALS, and PHTLS/ITLS (trauma response) within two years to get their lapsed license back.

Components of BLS Training

The main components of BLS include a more advanced understanding of:

CPR training for adults, children, and infants
Use of AED
Choking and respiratory management techniques
Assessment of the victim’s condition

Plus, BLS centers around team dynamics:

Roles and responsibilities
Effective communication
Coordinating actions quickly
Making evidence-based decisions

Online vs. In-Person BLS Certification

Taking a BLS course in a classroom certainly has its benefits, especially if this is your first time taking BLS. You can get some hands-on experience using training tools. But you also have the hassle of finding a course, getting there on time, and sitting through roughly four to five hours of training in one afternoon.

Alternatively, when you get certified in BLS online, you get to take the course on any device – on your schedule. You can take as many breaks as you want. And if you feel you need to review something you didn’t quite understand, you can. It’s 100% self-guided.

It fits into your busy schedule. If you have about five hours on a Sunday, you can even get those CME (continuing medical education credits) at the last minute when it’s time to renew your license. As a medical professional with a lot of hands-on experience, it’s really a no-brainer to do this online.

Validity of Basic Life Support Certification Online

It’s important to choose an accredited organization that has built an evidence-based course. For example, Advanced Medical Certification is accredited by many reputable credentialing organizations, including:

American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PIM)
Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)

AMC’s BLS course is based on the scientifically validated procedures developed by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). We update the course to align with the most recent addition to the handbook.

Maintaining and Renewing BLS Certification

Maintaining your certification is even easier than getting certified the first time. The course clearly states any recent guidance changes each time you take it.

This means that you can skim through the course (if needed), pay attention to anything that has changed, and then take the BLS practice test.

See how you do.

If you breeze through it, start the real exam. You can take it as many times as you like and even leave the test and come back. There is no time limit. And it’s an open book.

The Future of BLS Training

Advancements in technology will inevitably change what BLS looks like in the next three to five years. ILCOR publishes new guidelines every five years, with the last guide released in 2020. Based on what’s been happening over the past several years, here are some changes we might see.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

VR and AR have the potential to change how people interact with educational materials. They can create a more immersive experience. While not critical to learning BLS, we could see more training incorporating some VR and AR in their programs.

More Efficient Training

It’s becoming easier for online certification programs to offer the same robust training as in-person courses. In the coming years, we can expect these courses to become more accessible to all kinds of learners. Plus, I expect them to become the rule rather than the exception when it’s time to renew your BLS card.

What’s more, online training gives analysts instant feedback on how learners learn best. I anticipate that courses will combine this user data with the power of AI to enhance information presentation and retention.

BLS Protocols Changes Could Happen

In terms of protocols, we’ll likely see a stronger emphasis on hands-only CPR for layperson rescuers. Giving breaths could even disappear from some regular CPR courses. There might also be an integration of new technology like automated CPR devices, heart rate, and glucose wearables (if being worn), and portable EKGs as these tools become more available and prevalent.

What is the BLS Certification?

BLS certification provides verification to your employer and licensing board that you’re committed to professional learning and improving patient care. Similarly, a BLS recertification demonstrates that you stay current with the most recent evidence-based protocols for basic life support. It helps you work efficiently and confidently with your team during tense situations when seconds matter. You can get your BLS certification or renewal online here.

Frequently Asked Questions About BLS Courses

What is the duration of a typical BLS certification course?

A typical BLS course takes four to five hours, including exam time. If you need to get your BLS recertification, you may do it much faster.

How much is BLS certification?

A BLS certification course typically costs around $100. You can save money when you bundle BLS with ACLS and PALS, or, renew for life.

Who can provide BLS certification?

Only an accredited organization should provide certification. You should always check for this certification. Failure to do so may result in your certification being rejected by your licensing organization.

Is online BLS certification valid?

Absolutely. Many states encourage professionals to get up to half of their continuing education credits online. Please check with your state and licensing body for more details.

How long is BLS certification good for?

A BLS certification is good for two years. After that, you can renew it for a lesser fee.

When does BLS certification expire?

Every two years. These courses are intended to help you stay up-to-date without putting an undue burden on you to complete a more lengthy course.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

ACLS vs. CPR

Shockable Vs Non-Shockable Rhythms: The Simple Guide You Looked for

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on May 31, 2024, at 2:22 am

Knowing which heart rhythms are shockable and which are not during an emergency cardiac event can drastically impact your chance of saving a life. As a first responder, this understanding guides your response and allows you to confidently apply what you’ve learned in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training.

What rhythms are shockable? What causes shockable vs non-shockable rhythms? Can you stop non-shockable cardiac arrest rhythms from occurring? I share it all in this article.

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

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Get to Know the Cardiac Rhythms

An intricate electrical system controls your heartbeat. This network of collaborating nerves, nodes, neurotransmitters, and muscles ensures your heart beats regularly so you can pump blood efficiently around the body.

Understanding the complexity of this system is critical for the first responder. As you already know, there is no one way to save a life. Intensive Care Unit Scene Instead, ACLS protocols are more like a tree with branches. You choose to take a branch by asking certain questions about the person’s condition and using your advanced life support knowledge to proceed confidently.

As part of these decision trees, you need to ask yourself if you’re dealing with shockable rhythms before you choose to deliver defibrillation.

What is a Non-Shockable vs Shockable Heart Rhythm?

A shockable rhythm occurs when the heart’s rhythm experiences chaos. This disruption temporarily causes it to lose its ability to properly fill the right atrium. An outside stimulus—a shock—can often correct this irregularity.

On the other hand, you have non-shockable rhythms. These types of rhythms may show no activity. They’re pulseless. But they can also be irregular, so identifying non-shockable rhythms is not as simple as checking for a pulse.

Why Do Shockable Rhythms Vs. Non-Shockable Matter?

An 8-year study performed at a hospital in Taiwan found that patients who experience in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) are twice as likely to survive discharge as those who initially have non-shockable rhythms. But as a first responder, you need to realize the rhythm isn’t initially shockable as much as 87% of the time.

If a rhythm is shockable, a defibrillator can save a life by restoring a normal heartbeat. That’s true.

But for non-shockable rhythms, the patient needs immediate and uninterrupted CPR plus the right sequence of medications and medical treatments that you may be licensed to deliver.

The brain isn’t getting any blood. CPR can temporarily deliver at least some blood to the brain, making it most crucial.

That said, it’s important to realize that studies show that CPR can produce only 20% of normal blood volume(NIH.gov). If medical professionals do not restore the heart rhythm within two minutes, patients will likely suffer from some brain damage, which may be irreversible.

In as few as four minutes, permanent brain damage begins. If patients continue in this state for 10 minutes or more, they are unlikely to recover.

But note that this doesn’t mean a bystander should stop CPR after 10 minutes. These times are averages based on studies (MedlinePlus.gov). When people get trained in CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), they learn to maintain the Chain of Survival until first responders—like you—arrive.

Once you determine that you’re dealing with a non-shockable heart, you won’t waste precious time shocking someone when another action is more likely to save their life.

What are Shockable Rhythms?

Ventricular Fibrillation (VF or VFIB)

VF shows up as a chaotic, disorganized activity on an ECG (Electrocardiogram). If you have advanced your career to a paramedic, you are trained to set up and use an ECG to determine this when assessing the patient.

Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VT or VTach)

These shockable heart rhythms have a regular but rapid heartbeat. However, that heartbeat often does not sufficiently supply blood to the body so you may feel no pulse.

When comparing VTach vs VFiib, the simple rule of thumb is that with VFib, the heart beats rapidly but irregularly. With VTach, you have a regular rhythm, but the cardiovascular system doesn’t effectively get blood where it needs to go. For example, uncontrolled bleeding could divert blood away from certain body parts. It could dangerously lower blood pressure.

What Conditions Lead to Shockable Rhythms?

In most cases, shockable rhythms result from severe heart conditions. These conditions disrupt the electrical impulse over time and could include:

Myocardial infarction
Cardiomyopathy
Ischaemic heart disease
Acute coronary syndromes

Some other causes can include:

Electrolyte imbalance
Drug overdose
A sudden hit to the chest

How to Treat Shockable Rhythms

As soon as you determine you have a shockable rhythm, begin defibrillation. While you wait for the defibrillator to get ready, you should continue performing high-quality CPR.

Stop CPR when it’s time to shock. Then, resume CPR while the defibrillator readies itself for another shock.

Your timely and decisive action here can save a life.

What Are the Non-Shockable Rhythms?

Now that we’ve looked at what rhythms are shockable, we’ll explore those that require other actions.

Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA)

With a PEA rhythm, the ECG reveals electrical activity but no pulse or heartbeat. Pulseless electrical activity The “or” is important here because if there were only “no pulse”, that could be a shockable rhythm, VTach (described above). It’s important to put all of the pieces together.

If you determine that someone has PEA on ECG, your response should be CPR plus airway management and medication administration within your scope of practice. Some medications that you might prescribe here include:

Epinephrine – Constricts the blood vessels, which can increase blood flow to the brain
Atropine – Reduce fluid cardiorespiratory system and treat some forms of plant or animal-caused poisoning

Asystole Meaning

Asystole is defined by the lack of electrical activity shown on the ECG. However, asystole can also include slight movement from a flatline. In fact, a complete flatline is uncommon because ventilation and chest compression efforts can make blips appear on the readout.

Your next steps are CPR with advanced airway management if needed, but the prognosis is poor with this one.

What Conditions Lead to Non-Shockable Rhythms?

Non-shockable rhythms most often happen in patients experiencing a serious event like:

Massive blood loss
Fluid buildup in the pericardial sac that compresses the heart
Extensive heart damage

How to Prevent Non-Shockable Rhythms

The best way to prevent non-shockable rhythms happen long before you arrive on the scene and include:

Effectively managing the underlying medical condition
Taking medication as prescribed
Staying well-hydrated
Attending to lifestyle factors that can impact underlying heart conditions

But what can you do after you arrive at the emergency? You want to do what you can as a first responder to keep a shockable heart from slipping into non-shockable territory. You do this by providing immediate and effective CPR to maintain blood flow to the heart and brain. Beyond that, it’s important to follow the ACLS protocols you learned to get your ACLS certification.

A study performed by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina found a strong correlation between following ACLS protocols to the T and return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Can You Convert Non-shockable to Shockable Rhythms with ACLS?

A study published in the National Library of Medicine involved a group of researchers who reviewed data from over 40,000 out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCA) and found that only 13% were initially shockable. That’s a very low percentage, given that patients with non-shockable rhythms cannot be resuscitated.

For this reason, in many cases, your goal as a first responder is to convert the non-shockable into ECG rhythms you can shock.

The researchers in the above studies cite their findings as showing that “Initial shockable rhythm was the strongest predictor for survival. However, conversion to subsequent shockable rhythm significantly improved post-arrest survival and neurological outcomes.”

Converting rhythms involves treating the underlying medical emergency. For example, in the case of PEA rhythm, the paramedic or EMT-IV/EMT-A on your team—which may be you—might administer Atropine intravenously to reduce the fluid in the cardiorespiratory system.

Doing so could allow the heart to start working again. But the heartbeat may still be erratic due to the VFib (a shockable rhythm). Administering defibrillation at this point could restore the heart’s rhythm. You’ve just converted the heart rhythm from non-shockable to shockable rhythm and potentially saved a life.

What Are the Types of Defibrillators?

Several types of defibrillators exist. For some, you must be a doctor or paramedic. But others, an everyday hero or the EMT-B, can use with a current CPR and AED certification.

Manual Defibrillators

These are the ones you see in emergency room dramas or in an ambulance. Both doctors and paramedics have the skills and scope of practice to use this device. It requires rhythm analysis via ECG and manual shock delivery.

AEDs

These are the automated devices found in public spaces, such as gyms, schools, office buildings, or restaurants. They are also vital pieces of equipment for mobile first responders. The design of an AED allows those with less training to use it.

These devices analyze the heart rhythm via electrodes that you stick on the body in precise locations. They identify the right moment to administer the shock, alert you, and then deliver the shock.

The AED works like an ECG without the complicated readouts. It knows what rhythms are shockable, and it will notshock a person until that rhythm is shockable. However, AEDs cannot replace ECG plus manual defibrillators because these advanced devices give paramedics and doctors more control over when and how they administer shock. And that can make a difference.

If you’re an EMT-B, you had to learn to use AED and save a life in a CPR, AED, and First Aid Course and need to maintain your certification to renew your license every two years. If you are a police officer, firefighter or other first responder, you should also learn to use an AED.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICD)

A doctor can prescribe this long-term management device to help regulate a rapid heart rate if you have a history of cardiac arrest. It automatically detects and treats ventricular arrhythmias. Unlike pacemakers, which regulate the heart from the top, an ICD regulates the lower heart (ventricles).

Use Your Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Training to Save Lives

ACLS Algorithms

You can find all of the concepts we’ve discussed laid out visually and sequentially in your ACLS algorithms for cardiac arrest.This tool walks you through a decision tree to determine shockable vs non-shockable rhythms and what steps to take.

As a lifesaving professional, you must familiarize yourself with these algorithms in advance. Time is of the essence. Even if some of this is outside of your scope of practice, you may assist paramedics or doctors following this protocol. Learning ACLS allows you to effectively coordinate efforts to save a life.

The algorithm begins with three quick steps:

Start CPR
Give Oxygen
Attach heart rhythm monitoring device (i.e., ECG)

Next, you must ask if the rhythm you see on the ECG is shockable.

If it is PTV or VF, then yes. If PEA or Asystole, then no.

Follow the appropriate branch.

For shockable, delivering defibrillation is the next step. After that, perform CPR for two minutes and prepare IV/IO access.

Again, ask yourself if the rhythm is shockable. If the answer is no, you’ll jump over the non-shockable branch of the algorithm and begin administering epinephrine via that IV access you created.

But if the rhythm is still shockable, you will shock first and then start the epinephrine. Continue CPR for two minutes. At this stage, you might consider advanced airway management or capnography to measure CO2 exhalation.

If the rhythm continues to be shockable, you will deliver shock again and then administer Amiodarone or Lidocaine. Treat and reversible causes. Here, you use your professional judgment to give the right medications based on the patient’s symptoms.

And repeat the process.

On the non-shockable side, you are performing the same steps without the shock as you attempt to convert the non-shockable to shockable rhythms with ACLS.

To get a more thorough, visual, and easy-to-follow representation of these decisions, why not print the ACLS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm or save it on your phone?

This algorithm is based on the evidence-based best practices established by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation.

Shockable Vs Non-Shockable Rhythms

When split seconds matter, knowing what rhythms are shockable allows you to take the most appropriate steps to save a life confidently. But distinguishing shockable vs non-shockable rhythms isn’t as easy as checking for a pulse. You’ll need an ECG if you’re a medical professional. For everyday lifesaving heroes, learning how to use AED is the second best.

As a first responder, learning CPR and ACLS allows you to take an evidence-based course of action whether you are performing advanced medical procedures or supporting someone who is. Learn more about becoming ACLS certified here.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

ACLS vs. CPR

Customer Feedback: Driving Certification Success

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on May 20, 2024, at 12:28 pm

In the ever-evolving field of medical certification, customer feedback is not just important; it’s the driving force behind continuous improvement. We at Advanced Medical Certification have always known that while what we teach is important, how we are responsive to each student’s needs and comments is much more crucial for meaningful education. For this reason, before we create our programs, we engage in an open dialogue with professionals in the medical field. Hence, they not only meet but surpass their expectations.

We have consistently obtained very high satisfaction ratings due to our dedication to integrating customer feedback into our course design and delivery mechanisms. Over 90% of individuals who undertake any of our courses give them a rating of nine or higher on a scale of ten, implying that the certifications are effective and relevant. All these calculations mean nothing; they simply show that thousands of healthcare practitioners trust us when upgrading their skills fast and accurately meeting mandatory certification requirements.

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

This blog post highlights how customer feedback significantly impacts our educational offerings by illustrating all aspects of the curriculum, from designing and developing it to marketing. Our certifications continue to advance in the medical training industry because listening actively to everything our students say brings about change and innovation. Read on as we highlight how feedback influences our pursuit of excellence by empowering healthcare providers with the knowledge necessary for success in their professions.

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High Satisfaction Scores and What They Mean

At Advanced Medical Certification, the quality and effectiveness of our courses are gauged by the exceptionally high satisfaction scores we receive from learners. The ratings cannot be seen as a measure of how satisfied a learner is; they directly contribute to our efforts toward continuous improvement.

The feedback that over 90% of our students give their satisfaction ratings at nine or higher on a scale of ten is significant. This high rate of contentment comes from our commitment to having all-inclusive, up-to-date, and easy-to-access certification courses. We recognize that medical practitioners require information-based knowledge rather than just information alone, which can be readily applied accurately in a medical setting.

Every piece of customer feedback we obtain is closely studied for emerging patterns and specific areas where improvements are needed. For example, many learners have pointed out that the practicality of course content is among the crucial reasons for their high satisfaction levels. Consequently, we have enhanced our use of case studies and simulation exercises, which simulate scenarios they may encounter while working in clinical settings. These pragmatic activities are intended to ensure that learners understand theoretical ideas and apply them effectively. Annual Survey Form for Customer Feedback

Moreover, our study materials are always updated to comply with the latest medical guidelines and practices, making sure that learners gain contemporary knowledge. This currency and pertinence pay dividends for professionals whose licenses depend upon these certifications or who expect career opportunities with such skills.

This enables us to not only maintain high rates of satisfaction but also form loyal professional communities that have faith in what we offer for both learning and certification purposes when we prioritize the needs and customer feedback.

The Value of Quick and Convenient Certification

In the ever-changing world of healthcare, time is a resource as valuable as knowledge. In view of this, Advanced Medical Certification has provided a thorough, swift, and convenient certification process to satisfy one primary need of those in the field—efficiency.

Half of our learners have chosen our services for our direct approach to certification. This points out how important it is to have a certification process that considers the busy schedules of medical practitioners. We do not delay them, so they can start their courses immediately upon registration.

Moreover, the ease with which certificates are earned from our system is further supported by an intuitive online platform that allows easy access to courses, exams, and recertification. The platform can be used on different gadgets, thus allowing learners to study and take examinations at home or work while commuting. This adaptability is vital for professionals who may be forced to squeeze their learning into odd hours or very tight schedules.

Several key improvements have been made in response to customer feedback about our certification process. For instance, we have enhanced it through less complicated verification processes, faster release of completed course certificates, and simpler steps required for one’s certifications upon fulfillment of requirements. Additionally, we’ve improved customer support so that any concerns or queries are resolved quickly to ensure constant flow. Group of Doctors Happy and Smiling

By making our certification process efficient and user-friendly, we address the immediate needs of our students while preserving their work schedules and personal commitments. That’s why many come back for their recertification and refer us to their friends due to our responsiveness to learner needs and customer feedback.

Quality of Courses and Customer Service

Advanced Medical Certification constantly receives accolades for the quality of our course materials and outstanding customer service, which has helped build our reputation as a front-runner in medical certification. This praise is not accidental; it is a result of deliberate efforts to ensure a superior learning experience through the provision of excellent educational materials and support services.

Our courses are designed by medical education professionals who keep revising them to meet the latest healthcare standards and practices in the industry. We include much information in the detailed, clear, and practical content, making it immediately useful in any clinical environment. Frequently, we receive customer feedback from learners who say what they gained was very practical, thus enabling them to improve their patient care and professional skills.

While course quality remains paramount, our customer service has also played a significant role in our achievements. We know that superior client support is necessary for positive online learning experiences. Our team that manages clients’ inquiries consists of various members who handle things such as technical assistance or even issues related to the coursework, which ensures students’ comfort throughout their certification period.

Improvements in customer interaction have come about due to customer feedback from other students. For example, we introduced a chat support feature whereby help can be provided instantly, reducing response time lag while enhancing learner satisfaction. Additionally, we frequently organize training programs for our customer service staff, emphasizing empathy, product knowledge, and problem-solving skills to ensure each learner’s contact is helpful and supportive.

The comprehensive educational experience we provide often surpasses what learners expect due to maintaining high standards of the courses we offer and improving how we relate with those pursuing them professionally. In this respect, trust is promoted among community members through providing quality assistance, hence retaining more customers who, most of the time, refer others to join this platform again and again, encouraging it further amongst themselves.

Comprehensive Value of Our Courses

The quality of its courses and customer service have made Advanced Medical Certification a household name. Conversely, the first-rate value that makes its courses affordable for everyone sets it apart from competitors. This balance between quality, convenience, and cost is why medical professionals at all stages of their careers find our educational programs attractive.

Affordability and Accessibility

We know how much it costs to get certified and recertified, and we also know that many people have issues with money when it comes to matters such as these. Transparency and strong competition are reflected in our pricing strategies, which offer good value for money. Some of the reviews received from learners have shown appreciation for our affordable services, including how we package several courses at discounted prices, saving more money. When buying these packages, you will reduce your expenses and make it easier to manage different certifications/recertifications at once, which is particularly useful in cases where one should maintain multiple credentials.

Enhanced Learning Materials

Female Doctor Filling Out Customer Feedback Form on Laptop

Value added through quality educational materials is among the key factors defining our brand. To improve our course offerings, learner feedback has seen us integrate cutting-edge multimedia resources such as high-definition videos and downloadable software. These resources captivate users and make learning better by simplifying complex medical ideas so they can be quickly understood and remembered.

Responsive Customer Support

Our commitment to comprehensive value extends beyond our educational materials and into the support we provide. To meet this need, we established an effective customer service system incorporating technical teams on standby throughout your studies. The purpose of this system is quick problem identification and resolution so that students don’t have to face any interruptions during their study sessions. This kind of support results in high satisfaction rates coupled with loyalty.

Advanced Medical Certification focuses on the comprehensive value of its courses, making sure that learners receive the best education and enjoy seamless learning experiences. This has addressed immediate educational needs among healthcare practitioners and resulted in long-term relationships that encourage continuous learning and professional development.

Conclusion

The customer feedback we get is very important to our operations. We make decisions based on it, use it to update the curriculum, and shape customer service. This dedication to understanding and responding to our students’ needs has improved our courses and made us a reliable supplier of high-quality medical certification.

This approach is effective, as evidenced by the survey results, in which we got consistently high satisfaction scores. It shows that healthcare professionals trust and believe in our courses, designed to inform their mindset and transform their lives. Additionally, they have real-life applications and continued support so that learners have all the necessary tools to face the challenges of the healthcare system with self-confidence.

Our commitment remains strong as we navigate the complexities of medical education to improve them and adjust according to dynamic requirements from healthcare practitioners. Your views matter a lot, and therefore, any discussion should be encouraged with us so that your certificates will continue to meet your requirement levels as usual. Advance your career with our comprehensive ACLS certification, designed for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their skills and improve patient outcomes. Explore our ACLS Certification course today and see why so many trust us to advance their careers.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

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What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

ACLS vs. CPR

A Step-by-Step Guide to Infant CPR

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Apr 10, 2024, at 12:26 am

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, a vital aspect of emergency medicine with heart resuscitation and oxygen administration involved, affect about 300,000 people in the United States each year; this emphasizes the need to know local emergency numbers and clinical practice guidelines. The survival rate for these patients in emergency medicine (the ones needing resuscitation or suffering from infectious diseases, heart issues, or otitis media) is typically low at approximately 8% in clinical practice.

Patients suffering from in-hospital cardiac arrests, specifically those involving the heart and lungs, form a notable subset of cases encountered in the domains of general and thoracic surgery. These instances are pivotal of emergency medicine, requiring dedicated clinical strategies that integrate context-specific knowledge and experience for effective management.

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

In the USA alone, approximately 16,000 pediatric patients suffer cardiac arrest each year. As with all cardiac arrest cases, immediate intervention, including the steps listed in the lesson available here, is necessary to reduce the risk of death, and health professionals, parents, and anyone involved in the lives of infants and children need to understand the basics of infant CPR, how to apply two-person CPR to small children, and how to improve your training for such circumstances with a few tips.

The Risk of Cardiac Arrest in Infants and Children

Cardiac arrest often occurs in children, including babies, as a result of pre-existing heart conditions. In most cases, unintentional choking and suffocation typically precipitate cardiac arrest in infants under age one. Choking is the fourth leading cause of death in children under age five, and toys, household items, cookies, and food present possible choking hazards. Sadly, mortality rates are grim; a baby under the age of one dies every five days due to choking on items like cookies, reports the New York State Department of Health.

What are the Causes of Infant Cardiac or Respiratory Arrest?

The causes of infant cardiac or respiratory arrest mirror those of the H’s and T’s of reversible causes of arrest. These are explained in further detail in this learning module. For reference, these include:

Hypovolemia: A significant decrease in blood volume leading to inadequate circulation
Hypoxia: The lack of sufficient oxygen reaching the tissues.
Hydrogen Ion Buildup or Acidosis is an excess of acid in the body that can disrupt cellular function.
Hypo/Hyperkalemia: Abnormal levels of potassium in the blood are too low (hypo) or high (hyper)..
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can impair brain function and metabolism.
Hypothermia: Dangerously low body temperatures that affect the heart’s rhythm and function
Tension Pneumothorax: Severely collapsed lung causing increased pressure within the chest, affecting the heart, eventually leading to cardiac arrest as well as circulatory collapse..
Tamponade, Cardiac: Pressure on the heart is caused by fluid accumulation, preventing it from pumping effectively.
Toxins: Poisonous substances that can lead to cardiac or respiratory failure.
Thrombosis of Coronary and Pulmonary Vessels: Blood clots formed within arteries depriving organs of oxygenated blood supply
Unrecognized trauma: Physical injury not immediately evident but may cause cardiac or respiratory distress later on.

These are just a few examples, so don’t get caught up trying to memorize them all. Apply your critical thinking skills and try to figure out why each “cause” could end up being an effect of something else entirely. For example, choking is considered trauma, while electrocution could cause a cardiac tamponade. However, we’ll learn how these present themselves shortly.

Remember… if you can’t find a pulse, you must start compressions immediately! But what if you do find a pulse? Do we stop compressions until they’re gone again? Not at all!

Essential Steps for Performing CPR on Infants and Small Toddlers

infant-cpr

The fundamentals of CPR and life-saving measures are similar to those of adults, but due to the smaller stature of children and infants, time is even more vital than ever.

Additionally, an infant is unable to voice his or her pain or complaints, so it is up to the informed responder to act.

If the infant does not respond to stimuli or if the child only appears to be gasping for air begin CPR immediately.

The infant CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) algorithm can be easily remembered with this acronym:

– S (Screaming): Is the child crying normally?

– A (Alertness): Is the child alert?

– P (Painful Stimuli): Does the child respond to painful stimuli such as a sternal rub?

– M (Moving and Breathing): Is the child moving and breathing spontaneously?

In these first few steps, we ensure no immediate dangers around us. Choking or trauma are common causes of cardiac or respiratory arrest in infants so always keep it in mind. After this, we need someone to call emergency medical services because every second counts.
You should also try seeing if the baby responds by calling their name loudly, and tapping their feet gently so they know they’re safe. If you notice something wrong when you approach them alone, you should take them with you while seeking help, especially if advanced care needs are urgent unless the head injury is suspected, in which case avoid moving them until EMS arrives.
When assessing breathing, look for chest movement while listening to breathing sounds and feeling airflow near the mouth area.
Quickly check their carotid artery located on either side of their neck for a pulse taking no longer than 10 seconds.
Start doing chest compressions: If there’s no response or breathing, begin pushing down on their chest hard and fast. Do so at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, with each compression about two inches deep on infants.
Open their airway and give rescue breaths: Tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway. Give them two rescue breaths for every 30 chest compressions. Or if you’re doing two-person CPR, do it for every 15 compressions instead.
CPR without full respiration: If the infant has a pulse but weak breathing, give it one breath every three to five seconds until it can breathe normally again.
Keep track of everything: After doing CPR for five rounds, recheck the child’s pulse. Do chest compressions if they turn bluish due to lack of oxygen./li>
Using an AED: If you have access to an automated external defibrillator (AED), use pads made specifically for children or use a child-sized pad as long as it fits right. Follow what it tells you carefully and continue with CPR for another two minutes before checking them over again.
Continue following AED instructions: Keep following whatever the AED tells you, even if the rhythm is shockable or not until real help arrives or they wake up on their own.

Infant CPR Ratio

There are two types of Infant CPR: the “1 Rescuer” and the “2 Rescuers,” one when you’re alone and the other when you have a partner. Both sequences are designed to keep blood circulating throughout the body.

The 1 Rescuer ratio is done to avoid confusion, using a 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths pattern. After pressing down on their chest with a gentle thumb thirty times, breathe into them twice by tilting their head back to open up both nostrils and mouth. Continue this cycle of thirty compressions and two breaths until further help arrives, or they show signs of life.

When working with someone else, it’s important to be as efficient as possible to save time. The 2 Rescuers CPR shifts the compression-to-breath pattern from 30:2 to a more frequent rate of 15:2. This makes sure that one person isn’t hogging all the airtime while another performs compressions.

Compression uses the two-thumb technique to apply more pressure without hurting them. After twenty compressions, one rescuer will give two breaths, then switch off with the other partner, who will proceed with fifteen more.

These methods are meant to be easy enough for anyone to understand but still effective for saving an infant’s life whether you work alone or side by side.

Common Mistakes During Infant CPR

The biggest mistake made when performing infant CPR is failure to initiate chest compressions properly. It is easy to panic, and time lost increases the risk of poor outcomes.

The other mistake involves positioning the infant for chest compressions. There are two acceptable means.

Place the infant on his back or a firm surface. Using two fingers in the center of the chest and slightly below the nipple line, press down approximately 1.5 inches.
The two-thumb encircling technique is also acceptable for chest compressions in infants. Position yourself at the infant’s feet. Place your thumbs side by side in the center of the infant’s chest and slightly below the nipple line, explains NationalCPRAssociation.com. Wrap your fingers around the infant’s chest to support the back. Use the thumbs to administer chest compressions.

For those using the two-thumb encircling technique, only use the force of your thumbs to administer compressions. Squeezing the infant with your fingers will result in insufficient chest recoil and a higher risk of injury.

Another mistake occurs when attempting to determine if a diminished pulse should require the initiation of chest compressions. In children, a pulse of less than 60 beats per minute, which meets the bradycardia criteria, is considered pulseless electrical activity. As a result, begin CPR if the infant has a pulse of less than 60.

For those with limited experience or training in infant CPR, follow the hands-on approach. The rate of compressions is still 100-120 per minute, but you must follow the guidelines for using two fingers or the two-thumb encircling technique to administer compressions.

If you prefer to use a mask, ensure it does not cause any delays in care. Additionally, the mask should not inhibit your ability to obtain a proper seal for administering rescue breaths.

What About Infants That Are Choking

A choking infant carries a few distinctions from performing choking care to toddlers and older children. When the airway is blocked, an infant may gasp or appear motionless. Infants have the highest risk of choking due to their tendency to put small objects in their mouths, which is explained here.

When a mild choking incident occurs, and the child can still breathe, it’s important to stay with the infant and try to keep him calm. If the obstruction cannot be cleared quickly or leads to additional breathing problems, make sure to call EMS.

In cases of severe obstruction, characterized by an inability to make noise, failure to breathe, or the appearance of cyanotic symptoms, immediate intervention is critical and follows the outlined steps:

Holding the infant in your lap, rest the infant’s chest on your forearm, keeping the head lower than the chest. Ensure your hand is placed on the chest and does not cause distress to the infant’s neck.
Using the heel of the hand, perform five back slaps in a downward, firm motion between the infant’s shoulder blades.
Move the baby to the other arm, placing the baby on his back. Provide five thrusts to the chest, mirroring chest compressions during CPR. If the infant does not clear the obstruction, use both arms, swap the infant back to the other arm, and put the baby face down again.
Between cycles, look in the infant’s mouth for any object. Never Perform A Blind Finger Sweep Unless You See An Object That Can Be Removed. Blind sweeps risk pushing the object further down into the throat and worsening the situation.

The situation becomes more urgent if the baby stops responding and cannot clear the object. Yell for a bystander to contact EMS. Begin infant CPR. After the first cycle of 30 compressions, or 15 compressions if performing 2-person CPR, check the infant’s mouth for an object. If the object can be seen, remove it. Otherwise, continue CPR. Attempt to perform rescue breaths for the duration of the event.

How to be Prepared for Infant CPR Training

No one wants to think about what you’d do if a baby starts choking or goes into cardiac arrest. But it’s good to know what you would do. Statistics tell us that the baby will only choke mildly in most cases. Even still, when you have a mild obstruction, there is a possibility of becoming severely obstructed even within just 30 seconds, and this is now a life-threatening emergency.

To remember the skills taught in an infant CPR and choking course, try these:

Make sure they use appropriate-sized manikins.
Observe variances in speed, depth, and standards from adult CPR.
Think of what babies can choke on (food, toys) and apply while looking for obstructions.
Use interactive tools (videos, demonstrations) for long-term memory skills.
Bradycardia with a pulse <60 is PEA in infants-toddlers-children until adolescence.
Treat for trauma-induced causes as part of the PALS algorithm/infant CPR+BLS process.
As soon as possible get an AED for any emergency.
If severe obstruction cases regain consciousness/circulation, they need to see an MD (to rule out aspiration of contents into the lungs).
Never blind finger sweep on the infant.

Know How to Reduce Infant Mortality With the Right CPR Courses Now

The mortality risk for infants that suffer OOH cardiac arrest is significant. Immediate intervention is crucial for the greatest chance of survival when an infant suffers arrest due to any reversible cause or choking. Babysitters, retail staff, and anyone involved in child care should learn how to perform infant CPR. Understanding its urgency is vital.

Also, remember to enroll in your life-saving skills course, available online at Advanced Medical Certification, and share this article and your thoughts to social media now. Together, we can make a difference and save lives!

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

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