Login Cart Reviews ACLS
Certifications PALS
Certifications BLS
Certifications CPR
Certifications Blog About Groups Help ACLS
Algorithms PALS
Algorithms BLS
Algorithms

Adult Cardiac Arrest ACLS Algorithm - Updated 2020

The ACLS algorithms are a continuation of resuscitation attempts for those patients who have been evaluated and found to require advanced resuscitative measures after CPR and defibrillation during the BLS Assessment. The Cardiac Arrest Algorithm is the most critical algorithm of ACLS. When you have a patient without a pulse, you must recognize either ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) as shockable rhythms. In contrast, you do not shock PEA or asystole, and must follow another pathway of the Cardiac Arrest Algorithm.

Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm Download Printable Algorithm

Algorithm Notes

  • The key component of treatment for VF and pulseless VT is rapid defibrillation.

  • A manual defibrillator is preferable, if available, since an AED may require prolonged interruptions in chest compressions while it analyzes the rhythm.

  • Stacked shocks should NOT be used.

  • Defibrillators can be biphasic or monophasic. Most defibrillators available today are biphasic, which means that the electrical current travels from one paddle to the other and back again. This requires less energy to restore normal heart rhythm, and is believed to result in less cellular damage in the heart while reducing skin burns.

CRITICAL CONCEPTS:

  • Minimize the interruption of CPR for shock, rhythm check, and pulse check. Continue compressions while the defibrillator is charging.

  • Purchase course for access to all Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm Critical Concepts

Test Your ACLS Knowledge

Our ACLS practice exam includes questions pulled directly from a real ACLS exam.

Take The ACLS Practice Exam

Simple, Affordable Pricing

Select your Online ACLS, PALS, BLS, or CPR Medical Certification Course below

ACLS Recertification

129

The Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is an accredited online medical certification course that teaches medical professionals to respond to nearly all cardiopulmonary emergencies.

Learn More

PALS Recertification

129

The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Recertification instructs medical professionals on performing pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation in emergencies.

Learn More

BLS Recertification

65

The Basic Life Support (BLS) Recertification is intended to teach healthcare professionals the basic steps of CPR and rescue breathing for adults, children, and infants.

Learn More

CPR Recertification

35

Our online medical certification course for CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and First Aid is designed to teach adult, child, and infant CPR and AED use. It also demonstrates ways to relieve choking in adults, children, and infants.

Learn More

ACLS Certification

179

The Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is an accredited online medical certification course that teaches medical professionals to respond to nearly all cardiopulmonary emergencies.

Learn More

PALS Certification

179

The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Recertification instructs medical professionals on performing pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation in emergencies.

Learn More

BLS Certification

95

The Basic Life Support (BLS) Recertification is intended to teach healthcare professionals the basic steps of CPR and rescue breathing for adults, children, and infants.

Learn More

CPR Certification

39

Our online medical certification course for CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and First Aid is designed to teach adult, child, and infant CPR and AED use. It also demonstrates ways to relieve choking in adults, children, and infants.

Learn More

Already Certified? Get a free reminder before it expires!

All ACLS Algorithms in 2024

Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm

Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm

The Cardiac Arrest Algorithm ACLS code is the most critical algorithm of ACLS in 2024. When you have a patient without a pulse, you must recognize either ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) as shockable rhythms.

View Algorithm

Cardiac Arrest Circular Algorithm

Cardiac Arrest Circular Algorithm

This algorithm is a summary of the recommended steps when a patient is in cardiac arrest. Starting with CPR, you’ll work through the sequence by relying on rhythm checks, shocks if VF/pVT, and drug delivery.

View Algorithm

Suspected Stroke Algorithm

Suspected Stroke Algorithm

The ACLS 2024 Suspected Stroke Algorithm emphasizes critical actions for out-of-hospital and in-hospital care and treatment. A stroke is an interruption in blood supply to a part of the brain that causes acute neurologic impairment.

View Algorithm

Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Algorithm

Post Cardiac Arrest Care Algorithm

This ACLS flowchart will take you through implementing a comprehensive treatment protocol for post-cardiac arrest care. This case applies to a patient who has had a cardiac arrest and was resuscitated with the BLS, ACLS Primary, and ACLS Secondary Assessments.

View Algorithm

Acute Coronary Syndromes Algorithm

Acute Coronary Sydromes Algorithm

The steps of this ACLS algorithm for 2024 outline the assessment and management guidelines for patients in experiencing symptoms suggestive of ischemia or infarction.

View Algorithm

Bradycardia With A Pulse Algorithm

Bradycardia With A Pulse Algorithm

The Bradycardia Algorithm ACLS code provides the information you need to assess and manage a patient with symptomatic bradycardia or a heart rate under 50 bpm. For some people (like runners), a slower heart rate may be normal, and they will be asymptomatic.

View Algorithm

Tachycardia With A Pulse Algorithm

Tachycardia With A Pulse Algorithm

With this ACLS algorithm, you'll need to determine if the patient is stable or unstable by evaluating and specifying if the rhythm is regular or irregular and if the QRS is wide or narrow. This ACLS flowchart can help you detect the type of tachyarrhythmia.

View Algorithm