Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Protocols

Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols in the emergency department are evidence-based guidelines designed to optimize outcomes in patients experiencing cardiac arrest, acute coronary syndromes, and other life-threatening cardiac emergencies. The initial steps of ACLS focus on high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to maintain cerebral and myocardial perfusion, with a focus on providing adequate chest compressions, early defibrillation when indicated, and prompt administration of medications such as epinephrine to support circulation. Advanced airway management techniques, including endotracheal intubation and supraglottic airway devices, may be necessary in patients with persistent respiratory failure or inadequate ventilation. The use of targeted temperature management in post-cardiac arrest patients aims to minimize neurological injury and improve neurologic outcomes after successful resuscitation. ACLS algorithms guide healthcare providers through the identification and treatment of various cardiac rhythms, including bradycardia, tachycardia, pulseless electrical activity, and ventricular fibrillation, allowing for timely and coordinated interventions to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome for patients in cardiac arrest.