ACLS stands for Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
What does ACLS mean?
a set of emergency protocols for cardiac arrest and other life-threatening events
ACLS stands for advanced cardiac life support, a set of clinical guidelines and skills used to manage cardiac arrest, serious arrhythmias, stroke, and other life-threatening emergencies. It builds on basic life support (BLS) by adding advanced airway management, intravenous drugs such as adrenaline, defibrillation, and team-based resuscitation algorithms. ACLS is delivered by trained healthcare providers, often in emergency departments, intensive care, and ambulances, and is organized around standard algorithms that guide each step of care.
When is ACLS used?
ACLS is used in emergency, critical care, and pre-hospital settings during cardiac arrest and peri-arrest emergencies.
Frequently asked questions
What does ACLS stand for?
ACLS stands for advanced cardiac life support, a set of emergency protocols for cardiac arrest and other life-threatening events.
How is ACLS different from BLS?
ACLS builds on basic life support by adding advanced airways, intravenous drugs, defibrillation, and team-based algorithms.
Who performs ACLS?
Trained healthcare providers, often in emergency departments, intensive care units, and ambulances.
What does ACLS cover?
Cardiac arrest, serious arrhythmias, stroke, and other peri-arrest emergencies, using standard step-by-step algorithms.