Acls

Mastering ACLS, a Springhouse publication. It's a paperback too. Probably paid in the $30.00 range for it.

Mastering ACLS, a Springhouse publication. It's a paperback too. Probably paid in the $30.00 range for it.

Thanks so much for your reply. I was looking at that one on Amazon earlier--just went back and ordered it. Thanks again!

Tip from a former Acls Instructor-The handbook and the review materials sent out by the AHA are easy to read and follow. Review your rhythms beforehand. and review the uses and doses of the drugs. Remeber to read about psot-resuscitative care. And don't panic- it is a learning experience, not a just a testing experience.

Hi Everyone

I will be taking an ACLS class soon and I'd like to start reviewing beforehand. Can anyone recommend any good, up to date books to start with?

Thanks in advance for your input!

After you study the algorithms for VF/VT, PEA, and Asystole in the AHA bood, go to

http://www.acls.net/

and do the mock code. You are presented with a code situation and choose each intervention in order. It is great for seeing how much you remember from the algorithms and will give you hints also. I had 5 days notice of the class and spent a whole weekend studying and passed on first try.

Learn the drugs for VF/VT including dosages. Use the mneumonics to help you remember them. ie: for VF/VT, after the epi or vasopressin is given, when it's time for the next drugs, "Always Let Maggie Pee" stands for Amiodorone, Lidocaine, Magnesium, and Procainamide. PEA is treated by PEA, Problem (find out what caused it), Epi, and Atropine. Asystole treatment is learned by "check me in another lead, then let's have a cup of TEA" (always check the leads first, then TEA is Transcutaneous pacing, epi, and atropine) I took a lot of notes while studying the algorithms and the other material in the AHA book and used them to review. We did not need to know all the different tachy's, just VT. Your class may be different with that part! Good luck!

My advice would be to really read and learn about the drugs and dosages. Especially if you don't ordinarily work with these meds.

Also, when I'm studying ACLS, I study the longer algorithms first (especially tachycardias, chest pain and ACS). To me, and from a "sequence of events" type thing, it makes more sense this way. In my experience there always seems to be something that leads up to a cardiac arrest and I have always found that if I start at the beginning, by the time I get to those long, detailed algorithms, it just doesn't sink in because I'm tired of reading. :)

Good Luck! ACLS can be fun to learn if you're in the right class!

Tip from a former Acls Instructor-The handbook and the review materials sent out by the AHA are easy to read and follow. Review your rhythms beforehand. and review the uses and doses of the drugs. Remeber to read about psot-resuscitative care. And don't panic- it is a learning experience, not a just a testing experience.

I FULLY agree with this...I have been an instructor for way over 10 years...Most peoples worst enemy is themselves. Rhythms/drugs are what gets most people. Take notes in lectures, and listen to the instructors. Most of them will clue you as to what is on the test. Also, the practice scenarios are usually worse than the testing ones. Look over your algorhythms(sp?) closely. HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!! Let us know how it goes!?!?!?!?

I just wanted to say how much fun ACLS courses are. I am still a student, but had the opertunity to take it during my summer externship. I had been studying the algorthims for about 3mos on and off using online sites (acls.net/randylarsondomaincentral?) and then studied the provided book and pretest for about 2 wks. I passed, no problems! You can do it too!!!!!! Have fun!