Advanced Cardiac Life Support training is available in most providers in Vancouver, but no one can match the quality of the ACLS course we offer at Vancouver First Aid. ACLS training was designed for the management of cardiac arrest when it occurs inside an organized medical setting, like a hospital or clinic. It targets professional health care workers, or people who are qualified to manage cardiorespiratory emergencies in a medical set-up.
If you need both training and certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), no need to look any further than Vancouver First Aid. You can visit or give us a call during out office hours (from 8am to 5pm). We also have an e-mail address if you want to send in your inquiries via e-mail.
Enrollment in ACLS Training
You can enroll in Vancouver First Aid ACLS training online, using the application form below. No need to download anything; just fill up the form and click submit. You may also sign up in person (which is preferred by prospective students who need to confirm their slots immediately) during our office hours. If you choose to enroll online, your slot will only be confirmed during the next business day.
Overview into ACLS Training at Vancouver First Aid
Advanced Cardiac Life Support training was created in order to set guidelines for the in-hospital management of cardiac and respiratory emergencies. The curriculum is based on the Basic Life Support guidelines, tailoring it to fit professional management with medical equipment and medication.
You can expect to learn about the following topics in an ACLS training program:
- Chest compressions (using a back board)
- Ventilations with a bag valve mask and barrier device
- Manual and automated defibrillation and cardioversion
- Cardiac medications (adult dosages)
- Use of a ventilator
- ECG interpretation
- Team dynamics of a resuscitation team
- Management of cardiac arrhythmias, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and other conditions
Our ACLS course runs for 12 hours, completed over two days. The refresher course (which is an update course) is shorter, running for 5 to 6.5 hours. ACLS credentials expire after three years and can be renewed via the refresher course. You don’t have to wait three years to sign up for a refresher class; enroll sooner if you want an update.
The ACLS credentials offered to students at Vancouver First Aid are valid all over the province.
Learning How To Give Chest Compressions
Successful CPR lies in the quality of chest compressions given to the patient. ACLS training focuses on adult management; some tips are given below:
- Interlace the fingers of both hands, ontop of one another. Use the heel of the hand on the bottom to push down on the chest.
- Position your hands in the middle of the chest, in between the nipples.
- Press down by at least 2 inches and allow chest to recoil between compressions.
- One cycle is composed of 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths.
In a hospital set-up, epinephrine is given every three minutes. Pulse check is performed every two minutes. Defibrillation can only be used during severe arrhythmia, NOT a “flat-line” (ventricular asystole).