SHA24/090002

Dr. Fareed Al Nozha Faculty Saudi Heart Association Consultant Cardiologist ACLS Program Head

•CPR and early defibrillation for treatable arrhythmias remain the cornerstones of B & ACLS. •Excellent chest compressions without interruption are the key to successful CPR. •The performance of teams providing ACLS improves when there is a single designated leader and the team practices clear, closed-loop communication.

•Begin properly performed CPR immediately for any patient with suspected cardiac arrest.

•Other initial interventions for ACLS include administering oxygen, establishing intravenous access, placing the patient on a cardiac and oxygen saturation monitor,  obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG)

•In adults, properly performed chest compressions take priority over ventilation during the initial period of basic life support. •When ventilating the patient in cardiac arrest, give 100 % oxygen, use low respiratory rates (approximately 8 breaths per minute), and avoid hyperventilation, which is harmful.

For the purposes of ACLS, ECG interpretation is guided by three questions: Is the rhythm fast or slow?

Are the QRS complexes wide or narrow?

Is the rhythm regular or irregular?