ACLS Algorithms

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How Many Algorithms Are in ACLS?

ACLS training is built around 8–10 standardized algorithms, including cardiac arrest, bradycardia, tachycardia, and post-cardiac arrest care. Each algorithm provides a structured, evidence-based framework for managing life-threatening emergencies.

Common Mistakes New Students Make

New ACLS learners often focus on memorization instead of understanding the reasoning behind each step. Common errors include delaying defibrillation, confusing BLS and ACLS interventions, and hesitating to escalate care. Practicing scenarios helps avoid these pitfalls.

The Overarching Goal of ACLS

The goal of ACLS is to improve survival and neurological outcomes by integrating advanced airway management, pharmacology, and team coordination. ACLS fits into the broader chain of survival, building on BLS to ensure patients receive timely, effective care from collapse through post-resuscitation.

ACLS in a Nutshell

This graphic allows the provider to quickly get the appropriate information to intervene efficiently in a life-threatening emergency.

Acute Coronary Syndromes Algorithm

This algorithm outlines the steps guiding the clinician to efficiently assess and manage acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Adult Bradycardia with a Pulse Algorithm

This algorithm outlines the steps to guide the responder to efficiently assess the patient and manage bradycardia.

Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm

This algorithm outlines the steps to guide the team to efficiently assess the patient and manage cardiac arrest.

Adult Opioid-Associated Emergency Algorithm for Healthcare Providers

This algorithm outlines the steps to guide the team to efficiently assess and manage cardiac arrest due to an opioid overdose.

Adult Opioid-Associated Emergency Algorithm for Lay Rescuers

This algorithm outlines the steps to guide the lay rescuer to efficiently identify and manage cardiac arrest due to an opioid overdose.

Adult Suspected Stroke Algorithm

This algorithm outlines the steps to efficiently assess patients and manage suspected stroke.

Adult Tachycardia with a Pulse Algorithm

This algorithm outlines the steps to guide the team to efficiently assess the patient and manage tachycardia with a pulse.

Adult Systematic Approach Algorithm

This algorithm presents the systematic approach to reinforce that a responder uses a consistent and systematic approach to assessing an ill patient.

Hs and Ts

This graphic provides the potential causes, assessments and findings, as well as treatments and interventions for each of the Hs and Ts or reversible causes of cardiac arrest.

In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Pregnancy Algorithm

This algorithm outlines the steps for the rescuer to efficiently assess and manage cardiac arrest in a pregnant patient.

Checklist for Fibrinolytic Therapy

This checklist provides an efficient way for the resuscitation team to determine if a patient with ACS is a candidate for the administration of fibrinolytic therapy.

Cardiac Arrest Circular Algorithm

This algorithm presents the Cardiac Arrest Algorithm in a circular format to reinforce that cardiac arrest care does not end until ROSC occurs and Post - Cardiac Arrest Care begins.

Positions for 6-Person High-Performance Teams

This graphic provides the ideal positions when six members are available in a resuscitation effort.

Adult Immediate Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Algorithm

This algorithm presents the immediate care of the patient following a cardiac arrest with ROSC.