If a person suddenly develops symptoms such as weakness, slurred or garbled speech, loss of balance, or a massive & severe headache; it’s possible they could be having a stroke.

The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale.

There are several conditions that can mimic a stroke.

Identification & Treatment of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Identification & Treatment of hypoxia.

Some seizures, electrolyte imbalance, sepsis, brain tumors, and Bell’s Palsy can also mimic a stroke.

Prehospital providers should transport suspected stroke patients to a stroke center following their local protocols.

Hospital providers should active their stroke team to ensure rapid assessment and treatment.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

The locations we should place an IO when running a code.

The ACLS medications that can be given intraosseous.

Where you can find more information about intraosseous access during resuscitation efforts.

In the absence of an IV or IO, some medications may be given down the endotracheal tube.

The disadvantages of medication administration via ETT.

Review of the ACLS medications that can be given down the tube and how they should be given.

2025 ACLS guidelines regarding medication administration via the ET tube.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

The chain of survival for a cardiac emergency and stroke.

ALS ambulances are staffed with paramedics who have training in ACLS skills.

Why EMS Destination Protocols for suspected stroke and STEMI make a difference.

ACLS’s timed benchmarks for:

• point of first medical contact to PCI for ST elevation MI;
• door to tPA or Tenecteplase for ischemic stroke; and
• onset of symptoms to EVT for LVO strokes.

Why EMS should bypass a close hospital to transport a STEMI or suspected stroke patient to a hospital capable of 24/7 PCI or a certified stroke center.

Check out the Pod Resource page at passacls.com for links to the "EMS On Air" podcast for links to episodes that look at EMS's role in stroke outcomes in the rural vs urban area.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

Why we should use an AED.

The general instructions for safe use of AED.

Following the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm while using an AED.

Contraindications to AED use.

General safety considerations to remember.

When we should discontinue resuscitation efforts and call the code.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

For apneic patients without a carotid pulse or patients with only gasping/agonal respirations, we will follow the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm.

For pulseless patients that the AED doesn't advise a shock, the patient's ECG shows asystole, or a non-perfusing organized rhythm (PEA), we will follow the right side of the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm.

Initial steps are aimed at delivery of high-quality CPR to keep the brain and vital organs alive.

Epinephrine administration.

Placement of an advanced airway.

Considering possible reversible H & T causes of cardiac arrest including three common causes of PEA and their emergent interventions.

When we should discontinue resuscitation efforts and call the code.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

Providing good, high-quality CPR with minimal interruptions and early defibrillation are two key interventions shown to improved cardiac arrest outcomes.

A training tool used in many CPR and ACLS classes is to use a song (or a song list) to help the person doing chest compressions maintain a rate of 100-120 per minute.

Characteristics of songs that will help us perform good CPR.

Advantages & disadvantages of using a song during CPR.

Considerations if playing a song during a code.

Selected songs from various genres and time periods from AHA's "Don’t Drop The Beat" playlist on Spotify.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

AHA’s Don’t Drop the Beat Playlist: Opens in Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2mU2FNAhSOtQwW0hBgQMaK

A patient’s medical history will help us identify things that may be causing (or contributing) to their current condition as well as guide our decisions so we provide the safest evidence-based care possible.

Examples of information obtained in a medical history that will impact the treatment we provide.

There are several mnemonics and memory aids that people use to guide their history taking.

Review the SAMPLE-PQRST medical history mnemonic.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

Identification of Torsades on the ECG.

Administration of a magnesium for stable patients with Torsades vs patients in cardiac arrest.

Procainamide use for stable patients with a monomorphic wide-complex tachycardia.

Procainamide dosing and when to stop the infusion.

Tip for determining whether magnesium or Procainamide should be used when treating stable patients with V-Tach.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

When a patient loses excessive amounts of fluids, we say that they are in a state of hypovolemia.

The most obvious cause of hypovolemia is from bleeding.

Common conditions other than bleeding that can cause hypovolemia.

Bleeding can be internal or external and caused by trauma, pathology, or iatrogenic.

Classic signs & symptoms of hypovolemic shock.

Volume replacement with crystalloids vs blood.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

MONA is the acronym sometimes used to help us remember the interventions to consider for patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Morphine and Fentanyl's use in the Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) algorithm.

Why Morphine or Fentanyl is helpful for patients with ACS.

Contraindications and considerations for their safe administration.

Common dosing & administration.

Monitoring of the patient's level of consciousness, pain, blood pressure, and respirations after administration.

Possible side effects.

Narcan as an antidote to Morphine or Fentanyl if needed.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To support the show. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to save money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

Thanks for listening. Good luck with your class!

Even good CPR is far less efficient at circulating blood than a functioning heart.

The indicators of high-quality CPR that were identified at the 2012 AHA CPR Quality Summit.

Three tips to limit pauses in CPR compressions to 10 seconds or less.

Teams with good communication and follow these actions obtain a CCF of 92% or higher.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To support the show. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

Epinephrine and Dopamine are adrenergic agonist used in several ACLS algorithms.

The use of epinephrine for severe anaphylaxis and unstable bradycardia.

Review epinephrine’s effects on blood vessels and bronchioles.

Why epinephrine is helpful for patients with anaphylaxis.

Using an epi drip for unstable bradycardia.

Epinephrine administration during cardiac arrest.

Starting an epinephrine or Dopamine drip for patients that have ROSC.

Review the effects of Dopamine based on mcg/kg/min dosing.

Monitoring the patient and titrating epi or Dopamine drips to prevent harm.

For more information on ACLS medications, check out the pod resource page at passacls.com.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To support the show and help cover the cost of hosting.https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

Providing rescue breathing to apneic patients with a palpable pulse.

Normal end tidal CO2 for patients with a pulse.

Identification of cardiac arrest and our immediate actions.

Providing artificial ventilations during CPR without an advanced airway vs with an advanced airway in place.

Using quantitative waveform capnography to confirm placement of an advanced airway, assess the quality of CPR, and identify ROSC.

The effects of hyperventilating patients in cardiac arrest.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To support the show and help cover the cost of hosting. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a drug discount card to save money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

Hypothermic patients aren't dead until they are warm and dead.

As the body’s temperature drops below 36° C, hypothermia may be classified as moderate or severe.

Modifying the ACLS Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm for patients with severe hypothermia.

Following the ACLS algorithm for patients with a body core temperature above 30° C.

Methods for rewarming patients with moderate vs severe hypothermia.

Continuation of CPR and ACLS efforts until the patient’s body core temp is above 36° C.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Calcium is one of the ions that move across the cellular membrane during cardiac contraction and relaxation.

The primary use of calcium channel blockers in ACLS.

Use of calcium channel blockers for SVT refractory to Adenosine and A-Fib or A-Flutter with RVR.

Contraindications of calcium channel blockers.

Nicardipine use during the treatment of ischemic strokes.

For more information on ACLS medications, tachycardia, or stroke check out the pod resource page at passacls.com.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Post-arrest care and recovery are the final two links in the chain of survival.

Identification of ROSC during CPR.

Initial patient management goals after identifying ROSC.

Indications for starting TTM.

Monitoring the patient’s core temperature.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Nitroglycerine’s effects.

Assessment of vital signs prior to administering nitro.

Indications for use of nitroglycerine.

Nitroglycerine's contraindications & considerations for use.

Use of nitro with patients taking PDE inhibitors.

Administration of nitroglycerine to patients with ischemic chest pain.

Considerations for patients that took their home nitroglycerine.

Monitoring patient's pain and vital signs after nitro administration.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

The ECG characteristics of A-Fib and A-Flutter.

Recognition and treatment of unstable patients in A-Fib/Flutter with rapid ventricular response (RVR).

Suggested energy settings for synchronized cardioversion of unstable patients with a narrow complex tachycardia.

Team safety when cardioverting an unstable patient in A-FIB/Flutter.

Adenosine’s role for stable SVT patients with underlying atrial rhythms.

Treatment of stable patients in A-Fib/Flutter with RVR.

For other medical podcasts that cover narrow complex tachycardias, visit the pod resource page at passacls.com.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

The majority of toxins don’t have a specific antidote.  There are a few toxins for which we have emergency interventions and ACLS providers should be familiar with.

Reviewing the patient's medical history for indicators that may lead us to suspect a tablet/toxin cause of cardiac arrest.

Administration of Narcan for suspected narcotics overdose following the Opioid Associated Emergency algorithm.

Other common ACLS Tablet Toxin scenarios with possible treatments.

Medications commonly used to treat specific toxins that are regularly stocked on crash carts or carried in EMS med bags.

ACLS providers that suspect a specific toxin should consult with their Pharmacy or call Poison Control for treatment directions.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Poison Myths and Misconceptions on The Pharmacists Voice podcast:

https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com/podcast/poison-myths-and-misconceptions-discussion-part-1-of-5-with-angel-bivens-rph-and-wendy-stephan-phd/

Generally speaking, if there’s a change in a patient’s condition, we should ensure we’re using the correct algorithm.

Three key points to remember when using ACLS algorithms.

Walk through of an example mega code scenario with explanations of when and why we change to a different ACLS algorithm.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Beta blocking medications attach to Beta receptors to inhibit or “block” the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline)and norepinephrine in the body.

The primary locations of Beta I, II, and III receptors.

Effects of epinephrine & norepinephrine stimulation of beta receptors on the heart.

Beta blockers effects on the heart.

When we should consider the use of beta blockers in the Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)and Tachycardia algorithms.

Contraindications to the use of beta blocker medications.

More detailed information about beta blocker’s mechanism of action and specific instances for their use can be found on the Pod Resource page at PassACLS.com.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

When we should consider insertion of an advanced airway for patients in a shockable vs non-shockable rhythm.

In addition to an endotracheal tube (ETT), other ACLS advanced airways.

The advantages of using an advanced airway over basic airway maneuvers.

Use of end tidal CO2 waveform capnography to confirm placement and assess the adequacy of CPR.

Identification and management of a misplaced ET tube.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Our primary focus immediately following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Post-arrest goals for O2 saturation, ETCO2, and BP/MAP.

Indications for use of an antiarrhythmic after ROSC.

Determining which antiarrhythmic to use post cardiac arrest.

Administration of Amiodarone or Lidocaine after ROSC.

The use of Amiodarone post arrest if no antiarrhythmics were administered prior to obtaining ROSC.

Links to other medical podcasts that cover antiarrhythmics and other ACLS-related topics are on the Pod Resource page at PassACLS.com.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

The body's normal pH.

Using patient history, ABGs, & labs to determine acidosis or alkalosis.

Common conditions/causes that may lead us to suspect acidosis.

Common conditions/causes that may lead us to suspect alkalosis.

Correcting acidosis by changing the rate of ventilations.

The indications, dose, and considerations for use of Sodium Bicarbonate.

Treatment of alkalosis.

Other podcasts that cover acid/base balance and conditions that cause acidosis or alkalosis can be found on the Pod Resource Page at PassACLS.com.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Review of BLS steps for determining if rescue breathing or CPR is needed and use of an AED for patients in cardiac arrest.

If the patient is in a non-shockable rhythm on the ECG such as PEA or asystole, we will go down the right side of the Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm.

If the patient is in a shockable rhythm on the ECG such as V-Fib or V-Tach, we will go down the left side of the Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm.

An example of a code's flow for shockable rhythms when an antiarrhythmic such as Amiodarone or Lidocaine is administered.

We will follow the algorithm until the patient has ROSC or we call the code.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

Aspirin's mechanism of action & benefits for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients.

Contraindications and considerations for aspirin’s use.

The dose and route of administration of aspirin for ACS patients.

The use of aspirin in the ACLS Stroke algorithm.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

To pass ACLS, you will need to be able to identify common rhythms on a monitor during your mega code and ECG strips on your written exam.

Review of normal ECG morphology in lead II.

Characteristics of first-degree heart block.

Characteristics of third-degree (complete) AV block.

Treatment of unstable patients in third degree block following the ACLS Bradycardia algorithm.

Special considerations for use of Atropine when patients are in a third-degree heart block.

The use of TCP, Dopamine, & Epinephrine drip for unstable bradycardic patients refractory to Atropine.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

The two first-line ACLS antiarrhythmics that are generally used.

Lidocaine dosing and administration to patients in persistent V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach.

Amiodarone dosing and administration to patients in persistent V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach.

Use of antiarrhythmic infusions post-cardiac arrest to suppress ventricular ectopy.

Amiodarone use & dosing for stable patients in V-Tach with a pulse.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

The tongue is the most common airway obstruction in an unconscious patient.

When the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) should be used as an alternative to the oropharyngeal airway (OPA).

Examples of when a NPA should be considered.

Contraindications and considerations for nasal airway insertion.

Measuring a nasal airway for appropriate length and diameter.

Insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway into the right vs left nostril.

Patients with a NPA in place can receive supplemental O2, be ventilated with a BVM, have ETCO2 monitored, and have their upper airway suctioned as needed.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn

When blood, or other fluids, accumulate in the sac around the heart it’s called a cardiac tamponade or pericardial tamponade.

The effects of tamponade on the electrical system and chambers of the heart.

Cardiac tamponade can be acute or chronic and caused by traumatic, iatrogenic, or pathological etiologies.

Common traumatic events, medical procedures, and diseases that can result in a pericardial tamponade.

Signs & symptoms of cardiac tamponade.

Treatment of cardiac tamponade with pericardiocentesis.

For additional information on cardiac tamponade, check out the Pod Resources page at PassACLS.com.

Good luck with your ACLS class!

Links:

Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/

Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources:  https://passacls.com

@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn